ELLEN NINO

It is with immense heartache that we announce the passing of our Mom on December 21, 2018.

Ellen, age 69, was born August 7, 1949 to Forrest and Ida McBurnett and raised in Lodi. She grew up in a fun, loving household with 5 siblings and was a 1967 graduate of Lodi Union High School. At 16, she met the love of her life, Mike. Many years later they would marry and have two children, Michael (1974) and Mia (1982). They remained married for 37 years until his passing in April, 2011.

During her late teens/ early 20’s after a short stint at being a hairdresser she quickly moved into the restaurant business, working alongside family; she made a name for herself as a cook, or chef, if you will. She had the privilege of working for Leon Croce, Felton’s Topaz and lastly, The Back Bay.

She will be best remembered as a loving Mother, Grama, Sister and Friend. Her loyalty and generosity were unmatched. She was a selfless person, often putting others before her and giving endlessly. To know her was to love her, even her feisty personality was adored and will be missed.

Some of her favorite things included watching game shows daily, from The Price is Right to Jeopardy and everything in between. She especially enjoyed suspenseful tv shows and scary movies and loved talking about them with others.

She is survived by her son Michael, daughter in law Sindee and their children; Gracie, James, Mikey and Marisa, daughter Mia, son in law Beto and their children; Reese and Dylan, one sister Barbra Lao, numerous nieces and nephew and other relatives.

Preceded by her parents Ida and Forrest McBurnett, husband Mike, sister Peggy Griffith, brother Donnie McBurnett, sisters Delores Millard and Nancy Bone.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park. A reception will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall on Lockeford Street.

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.