Susan "Susie" Lynne Burns

Susan “Susie” Lynne Burns, 72, of Poland, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Mercy Health Youngstown with her daughter, husband and son by her side. She was born on October 28, 1953, in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Michael and Helen (Nyako) Polinko.

Susie graduated from Howland High School in 1972. Growing up she was a proud member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. Through the years, she worked as an aerobics instructor, at Glenbeigh Hospital and Outpatient Center in Warren working with patients struggling with addiction, at the Trumbull County Council of Alcoholism, and working in accounting at Youngstown Thermal where she met her future husband.

Susie was many things throughout her life: a daughter, a sister, a wife, Aunt Susie, a “domestic engineer” but most important to her, she was a mom. She enjoyed collecting snow globes and teddy bears, listening to wind chimes, the beach, working on her tan, being outdoors in the sun, all things key lime pie, reubens, reading, dancing, and listening to music—especially disco. She adored spending time with her children and was dedicated to being present and supporting them throughout the years as a stay-at-home mom. She possessed a sense of humor and warm embrace that had no match. Susie loved cats, dogs and was a friend to any animal she would meet. She was also a lover of all aspects of the state of Michigan and a member of Christ Our Savior Parish–St. Nicholas Church.

Many family members live on to honor Susie. Her husband, Richard Burns; her dedicated daughter and best friend, Michelle Burns of Poland, OH; her son, Dr. Jonathon Burns of Lexington, KY; her brother, Mickey Polinko, and sister-in-law Angela Polinko of Gilbert, AZ. In addition, seven feline children (Avalanche, Pepper, Ginger, Jack, Swiss Miss, Sully and Tully) and the endless amount of people she impacted throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, nephew, Ian Polinko, niece, Leah Polinko, and several previous animal companions.

The family wants to thank the countless family and friends for the overwhelming support through this difficult time, especially Cassie Bonvissuto.

Service arrangements will be Saturday July 11, 2026 at Kirila Funeral Home, 258 Poland Ave., Struthers. Visitation services will occur from 10 am to 12 pm with a prayer service to follow. Directly afterwards, a celebration of life will occur at the hall at St. Nicholas Church. The family asks those who attend to wear Susie’s favorite color, purple.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Little Black Cat Collective (https://www.thelittleblackcatcollective.org/) or Friends of Fido (https://www.friendsoffidomahoning.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kirila Funeral Home, Struthers, Ohio. To view this obituary or send condolences to the family, please visit www.kirilafh.com.

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