In Englewood, where community spirit runs deep, there are people who quietly shape the heart of a town. They may not seek the spotlight, but their impact is felt far and wide. One of those people is Jeannie Burney.
At 84, Jeannie does not measure life by years. She measures it by purpose.
Known to many at the Edgewater Club, Inc., a vibrant senior community serving residents of Holiday Estates and Lemon Bay Isles, Jeannie is an energetic presence with a quick smile and an unwavering dedication to honoring America’s veterans. While she may not venture far beyond her immediate community, what she accomplishes within it is nothing short of remarkable.
Jeannie is the single most active individual raising funds for Wreaths Across America in Englewood, according to Co-Coordinator Catalina Bakas. Her efforts are driven by a lifelong commitment to service and a desire to honor her late husband’s legacy.
That commitment began decades ago. In 1953, Jeannie and her husband, Dave, were stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Dave went on to serve 22 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant. During those years, Jeannie served right alongside him, working in Civil Service at Peterson Air Force Base as the Social Coordinator and Director of the Officers’ Club, supporting service members and their families.
It was also in Colorado where Jeannie’s love for the Denver Broncos took root, a loyalty she still proudly displays today.
In 1995, Jeannie and Dave moved to Englewood, where they made their home and became active members of the community. When Dave passed away in 2011, Jeannie found ways to keep his memory and his service alive, not just in words, but through action.
To honor Dave and all who have served, Jeannie began creating patriotic ribbons and bracelets, small but powerful reminders of sacrifice and remembrance. Her handiwork became a centerpiece of fundraising efforts at the Edgewater Club, helping support Wreaths Across America and ensuring fallen veterans are remembered with dignity.
This year alone, members of the Edgewater Club donated more than $1,000 toward remembrance wreaths, which were placed at Gulf Pines Memorial Park. Each wreath represented a life remembered, a service honored, and a community united in gratitude.
Those who know Jeannie describe her as the heart and hands behind the effort. She rallies neighbors, inspires generosity, and reminds everyone around her that service does not have an expiration date.
Whether she is honoring veterans, bringing neighbors together for a cause she believes in, or cheering on the Broncos, Jeannie Burney embodies the idea that one person can make a lasting difference. Her story is a powerful reminder to the Englewood community and beyond: no matter your age, your circumstances, or the size of your world, there is always room to serve, to remember, and to make an impact.
Co-Coordinator Catalina Bakas says Jeannie’s efforts would not be possible without the spirit of generosity that defines the Edgewater Club. “I am truly thankful to the Edgewater Club community for their generous donation and continued support throughout the years of Wreaths Across America in Englewood,” she said.
Together, Jeannie Burney and the members of the Edgewater Club serve as a powerful reminder that honoring veterans is a shared responsibility and that compassion, dedication, and community support can leave a lasting legacy.
