Lorraine "Lori" Mildred Burner

Obituary for Lorraine Mildred “Lori” Burner

Lorraine Mildred “Lori” Burner, age 95, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, following a brief illness. Known for her striking beauty and a smile that could light up a room, Lori was a true force of nature—a woman who lived life on her own terms with a fire and determination that were as unmistakable as her kindness.
A Life of Adventure and Ambition: Born on October 27, 1930, in Coal Creek, Colorado, Lori was the daughter of Antonio and Mary Santarelli. Growing up as the daughter of a coal mine owner in Florence, she developed a grit and spirit that would define her nearly century-long journey.
Lori’s life was a masterclass in reinvention. Her career path was a testament to her restless energy and ambition: she soared as a stewardess for American Airlines, stood in for Hollywood icons Rita Hayworth and Deborah Kerr as a film double, and built her own businesses as a fitness and modeling studio owner. Never one to shy away from hard work, she also found success as a tomato farmer and fruit stand owner. Whether she was commanding a room at Toastmasters or hiking a steep trail, Lori approached life with a fierce, uncompromising vitality.
A Spiritual Seeker and Advocate: Lori was a lifelong seeker of truth. Throughout her journey, she explored many different religious faiths and maintained a deep affinity for studying the Bible. At age 94, she began a final chapter of her spiritual journey when she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While Lori was known for her strong-willed and spirited personality, she possessed a profound and tender compassion for those the world often overlooked. She held a special place in her heart for underprivileged youth and the special needs community, advocating for them with the same intensity she applied to all her passions.
Family and Legacy: Lori was predeceased by her husband, Cecil M. Burner; her brothers, Ralph and Robert Santarelli; and her previous husbands, Barton E. Pann and Jim Heaton. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Delisa, and her three children, Linda Susan Brown, Craig Charles Pann, and Lawrence Scott Pann. Her legacy lives on through her 14 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her formidable spirit. She was the author of “Lasting Memories,” a book she wrote to ensure one’s family’s shared experiences would never be forgotten.
Services: In keeping with Lori’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. In honor of her vivid life, the family invites you to enjoy a scoop of ice cream—her favorite indulgence—and to remember a woman who was as complex, spirited, and beautiful as the Colorado landscape she called home.