On Friday July 8, 2022, Alvina May Burns passed away of natural causes. Alvina was born outside of St. Ignatius, not in a hospital, but in a teepee on February 5, 1932, to Katherine Coffey and Alexander Lozeau.

She was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She was baptized in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church not long after. She started school at the Ursulines Catholic School before going to Pierre Indian School in South Dakota and Chemawa Indian School in Oregon. After her schooling she moved to Seattle to start her life. She had her first daughter Delores in 1951.

From there, Alvina worked numerous jobs from housekeeping, waitressing, cooking for the community, and working at Kicking Horse Job Corps as a Community Health Representative. After her retirement, she loved to go out with friends and family to bingo and keno. When she wasn’t out partaking in shenanigans, she could be found at home watching television and crocheting.

Alvina lived a very fulfilled life. She had 7 children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Alvina is preceded in death by husband Jerry Burns, daughters Delores Lozeau, Tina Burns, son Anthony Benson and numerous siblings.

Alvina is survived by sons Robert Benson, Billy (Cynthia) Benson, David Burns, daughter Annette Lozeau, granddaughter Jenaya Burns, her puppy Sparky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

A Rosary will be held at The St. Ignatius Community Center, Tuesday July 12, 2022, at 8:00 pm. Closing ceremonies will start at 10:00 am Wednesday the 13th with funeral at 11:00 am to follow at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. A cremation will follow the services and she will be laid to rest in Polson, MT next to husband Jerry and in Seattle, WA next to her daughter Delores.