Maureen Lees Burnett

Maureen Lees Burnett passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on May 22, 2025.

Maureen burst onto the scene on January 1, 1938, in Birstall, Yorkshire, England, just a few minutes after her identical twin sister Doreen made her debut. They were most joyfully welcomed by their parents Herbert and Doris Lamb Lees.

Her childhood was full of happy memories and many adventures with her sister and parents. Her mother often described them as a “together family.” Maureen was the last surviving member of their little quartet to return to their Heavenly Home where we are certain there was a big celebration to welcome her back.

Maureen's family was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by a neighbor in Yorkshire whom they noticed didn’t drink tea (practically unheard of in England). When Maureen was 19 years old, the family immigrated to Ogden, Utah, and shortly thereafter, all four of them were baptized.

Maureen worked as a secretary for one of the deans at the University of Utah which allowed her to take free classes. There she met Forrest Burnett in a ballroom dance class. They married on March 25, 1967, in Salt Lake City.

They started their family in Holladay where they had their two children, Chad and Becky. In 1976 the family moved to Sandy. Finally, in 2004, Forrest and Maureen built their forever home in Alpine.

Maureen enjoyed traveling and going to the theatre. She was always an avid reader and was happy that this love continued with her posterity. Furthermore, she helped many disadvantaged children become readers through her extensive volunteer work. Maureen had a way of making people feel cared for and loved, and made friends everywhere she went. Maureen spent countless hours gardening and going on walks. She loved to get in her 10,000 daily steps, and was even part of a hiking group into her early 80s.

Maureen is survived by her husband Forrest, her son Chad (Holly) Burnett, and her daughter Becky (Roger) Mickelson. She is also survived by her grandchildren Zachariah Burnett, Bella Burnett (Justin) Rees, Joshua Mickelson, Daniel Mickelson, and Sabrina Burnett.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Alpine Cove Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1125 E Alpine Boulevard). There will be a viewing and visitation from 12:30-1:30 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place at the Alpine City Cemetery. The funeral will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Maureen’s numerous best friends for all the meals, rides, support, temple trips, friendship, and most of all, for the love shown to her and Forrest. Her family would also like to thank the amazing team of caregivers that provided gentle, thoughtful care and cheerful companionship to Maureen during the last months of her life. You have been a true blessing.

In Maureen’s honor, eat some chocolate, read a good book, and get in your 10,000 steps. We will always remember her amazing character, and life of sharing love with everyone that she met.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time or money to local literacy efforts.

To view a recording of the service, please click the blue tab above that says "Watch Service".