1987
Preston
2008
Preston Sean Burley
May 3, 1987 — April 28, 2008
Munising / Carrollton, TX
Preston Sean Burley of Carrollton, TX, passed away April 28, 2008 at 20 years of age. He spent the last three years of his life in a valiant fight against the brain cancer that would eventually take his life. The way that he lived his life was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Even through the rigorous schedule of four brain surgeries, two and a half years of chemo, four rounds of radiation and countless pills that had to be taken each day, he never once complained or questioned his fate. Though he always hoped and prayed for a cure, he had an unbelievable peace and resolve that radiated through it all. His wonderful sense of humor put everyone at ease and often times helped us make it through a very difficult situation.
Preston was born May 03, 1987 in Carrollton, TX to Donna Jean Burley and Gary Sanchez. When Preston was young, two people entered their lives, Charles Hershel Glass and his daughter Brittany, filling the role of stepdad and stepsister.
He was a 2005 graduate of Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, TX and attended Brookhaven Community College in Dallas for 2 years where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He had a 4.0 in his last semester of college, even while going through intensive chemotherapy and radiation. His goal of college was to fulfill his dream of becoming an architect.
Preston spent his youth in a full array of activities. In first grade, he joined the Scouting world after volunteering his Mom to be the Tiger Cub leader. They continued through Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts, completing 7 years that were full of fun adventures. He also played baseball for 6 years, soccer for 7 years and football for 5 years, while in middle school and high school. His life was full of many different experiences including local outings, out of town trips and fun with family and friends.
Preston enjoyed a special relationship with his Mom and she made sure their life was full of making memories. They enjoyed each other's company and Preston always loved spending time in his own home. She feels God blessed her with such an extraordinary child because He knew she wouldn't have him for long.
Though Preston had many friends and acquaintances, he had two very close friends, Chris Gravley and Matt McCary. They met in kindergarten and forged a bond that lasted through his life. The three of them particularly enjoyed swimming, golf, going to the movies and playing video games. Also, he and Chris often spent time playing their guitars together.
Summers spent in Munising with his grandparents, Ronald and Clara Stimac and his uncles, Ronald Jr., Michael and Scott Stimac highlighted each year. His friend Chris was fortunate enough to spend some of those summers with him. His days were spent fishing, hiking, canoeing, golfing, swims in Lake Superior, trips to Mackinac Island and campfires on the beach, just to name a few. It was during one of these summers that he met his girlfriend, Jennifer Stevenson. Though separated through the miles, they talked every day, made time for visits, spent summers together and developed a deep and committed relationship that has lasted for the past 5 years.
Preston leaves behind his mother, Donna Jean Burley and stepdad, Charles Hershel Glass; step sister, Brittany Glass; father Gary Sanchez, all from Dallas, TX. From Munising, Mi, grandparents Ronald and Clara Stimac; uncles Ronald Stimac, Jr., Michael Stimac and Scott (Molly) Stimac and his cousin Scott II; great grandmother Eunice Stimac and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. From Palm City, FL, Great Aunt Eva (Dick) Devito and cousins Joanne, Diane and Richie (Prish) and children. Best friends, Chris Gravley and Matt McCary of Carrollton, TX; girlfriend Jennifer Stevenson of Munising and a host of other family and friends from Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Preceded in death by great grandfather George Stimac, great grandparents Cecil and Annabell Burley, and great grandparents Johan and Franzrska Link.
Preston, we can't even put into words how much we will miss you. We know that no one ever really "dies" as long as they are kept alive in our hearts. We promise to keep you alive in our thoughts, our words and in our hearts forever. We look forward to the day when we join you in your wonderful new life in the presence of God and we are all together again forever and ever. Preston, we love you!
Visitation for Preston will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Parish Vigil Service with time set aside for sharing of stories and memories will be held at 7:00 p.m. Father Frank M. Lenz will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
Preston Sean Burley of Carrollton, TX, passed away April 28, 2008 at 20 years of age. He spent the last three years of his life in a valiant fight against the brain cancer that would eventually take his life. The way that he lived his life was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Even through the rigorous schedule of four brain surgeries, two and a half years of chemo, four rounds of radiation and countless pills that had to be taken each day, he never once complained or questioned his fate. Though he always hoped and prayed for a cure, he had an unbelievable peace and resolve that radiated through it all. His wonderful sense of humor put everyone at ease and often times helped us make it through a very difficult situation.
Preston was born May 03, 1987 in Carrollton, TX to Donna Jean Burley and Gary Sanchez. When Preston was young, two people entered their lives, Charles Hershel Glass and his daughter Brittany, filling the role of stepdad and stepsister.
He was a 2005 graduate of Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, TX and attended Brookhaven Community College in Dallas for 2 years where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He had a 4.0 in his last semester of college, even while going through intensive chemotherapy and radiation. His goal of college was to fulfill his dream of becoming an architect.
Preston spent his youth in a full array of activities. In first grade, he joined the Scouting world after volunteering his Mom to be the Tiger Cub leader. They continued through Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts, completing 7 years that were full of fun adventures. He also played baseball for 6 years, soccer for 7 years and football for 5 years, while in middle school and high school. His life was full of many different experiences including local outings, out of town trips and fun with family and friends.
Preston enjoyed a special relationship with his Mom and she made sure their life was full of making memories. They enjoyed each other's company and Preston always loved spending time in his own home. She feels God blessed her with such an extraordinary child because He knew she wouldn't have him for long.
Though Preston had many friends and acquaintances, he had two very close friends, Chris Gravley and Matt McCary. They met in kindergarten and forged a bond that lasted through his life. The three of them particularly enjoyed swimming, golf, going to the movies and playing video games. Also, he and Chris often spent time playing their guitars together.
Summers spent in Munising with his grandparents, Ronald and Clara Stimac and his uncles, Ronald Jr., Michael and Scott Stimac highlighted each year. His friend Chris was fortunate enough to spend some of those summers with him. His days were spent fishing, hiking, canoeing, golfing, swims in Lake Superior, trips to Mackinac Island and campfires on the beach, just to name a few. It was during one of these summers that he met his girlfriend, Jennifer Stevenson. Though separated through the miles, they talked every day, made time for visits, spent summers together and developed a deep and committed relationship that has lasted for the past 5 years.
Preston leaves behind his mother, Donna Jean Burley and stepdad, Charles Hershel Glass; step sister, Brittany Glass; father Gary Sanchez, all from Dallas, TX. From Munising, Mi, grandparents Ronald and Clara Stimac; uncles Ronald Stimac, Jr., Michael Stimac and Scott (Molly) Stimac and his cousin Scott II; great grandmother Eunice Stimac and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. From Palm City, FL, Great Aunt Eva (Dick) Devito and cousins Joanne, Diane and Richie (Prish) and children. Best friends, Chris Gravley and Matt McCary of Carrollton, TX; girlfriend Jennifer Stevenson of Munising and a host of other family and friends from Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Preceded in death by great grandfather George Stimac, great grandparents Cecil and Annabell Burley, and great grandparents Johan and Franzrska Link.
Preston, we can't even put into words how much we will miss you. We know that no one ever really "dies" as long as they are kept alive in our hearts. We promise to keep you alive in our thoughts, our words and in our hearts forever. We look forward to the day when we join you in your wonderful new life in the presence of God and we are all together again forever and ever. Preston, we love you!
Visitation for Preston will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Parish Vigil Service with time set aside for sharing of stories and memories will be held at 7:00 p.m. Father Frank M. Lenz will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.
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