Pamela Jackson-Burns

Pamela J. Jackson-Burns, 72, of Milwaukee and formerly of Arcadia passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice after a hard-fought battle with colon cancer. 

Pam was born in Madison on September 24, 1953, to Kenneth and Virginia (Patzner) Jackson. At a young age, Pam moved to rural Arcadia, where she grew up with her aunts and uncles, who were more like siblings. She graduated from Arcadia High School with the class of 1972. After spending some time out East with her aunt, Pam moved back to the Midwest to be closer to other family and settled in the Milwaukee area. Pam was employed with Athea Laboratories, Inc. for over 42 years until her retirement in 2025. She was united in marriage to Martin J. Burns, and though the marriage didn’t last, the couple was blessed with their daughter, Virginia, and remained close friends until his passing in 2008. 

Pam’s vast love for everything Disney was shared with her daughter and best friend, Virginia. Their mother/daughter relationship was a bond that others could only hope for. Pam was a devoted mom, but also volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader when Virginia was young. She was someone Virginia’s friends could talk to, as Pam provided quiet reassurance and patience. In her spare time, Pam loved to read books, cook, garden, and was an avid fan of the Brewers, Badgers, Packers and Joe Montana. Her faith, family, and lifetime friendships were the most important to Pam, and she will forever be remembered for her gentle nature and hard work. 

Pam is survived by her daughter, Virginia; nieces: Sabina J. Jackson-Rivera, Patama Johnson, and Sara Saenta; aunts and uncles: Marilyn Hoesley, William Patzner, Rodney (Karen) Patzner, Dianne Guesman, Barbara Patzner, Thomas (Marge) Patzner and DeLaine Patzner; lifetime friend: Judy (Schaefer) Biskey.She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Kenneth Jackson, Jr.; her former husband Martin J. Burns; uncles: John Patzner and Edward Patzner; and aunt: LaDonna Nash. 

Virginia would like to express a special Thank You to the Oncology Department at Aurora Health System, especially Dr. Abhay Jella and team, and also the staff of Aurora Zilber Family Hospice for their care and compassion of Pam in her final weeks. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Holy Family Parish, Arcadia, with Father Kyle Laylan officiating. Family and friends are welcome for fellowship following the mass at church. Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, rural Arcadia.