Carol Ann Scozzafava Burns
February 11, 1947 ~ December 25, 2021
Carol Ann Scozzafava Burns, 74, passed away on December 25, 2021, surrounded by her adoring and loving family. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Timothy; her children, Suzanne Burns Knittel and husband Paul Knittel (Los Angeles CA), Mathew Burns (Los Angeles CA); Daniel Burns and wife Marta Burns (Los Angeles CA), Andrea Burns Short and husband Thomas Short (Carmel IN) as well as grandchildren, Louis, Domenico, Sebastiano (Suzanne/Paul); Giuliana, Natalia (Andrea/Thomas); Carina (Daniel/Marta). Her brother, Joseph and wife Ann Scozzafava (Wilton CT), and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.
Carol was born in Danbury, CT to Louis and Dorothy Scozzafava on February 11, 1947, and enjoyed an idyllic childhood surrounded by her large and joyous Italian family from whom she learned to become a wonderful home chef for her family and friends. She graduated from Western Connecticut University with a degree in education (where she met her eventual husband, Timothy).
Carol was a larger than life figure whose highest priority, at all times, was her dedication to her family. She was a wonderful mother to her four children, not to mention being a “second mom” to many of her children’s friends over the years. As an accomplished Italian cook, Carol frequently found herself entertaining friends of her children at dinnertime, especially if it was pasta night.
Her early years of teaching, and later testing children as a psychometrist, led to the following years of grant writing at Washington Township School Corporation (while being one of the most active volunteers). After her children were grown and began their careers, Carol shifted to another of her passions, real estate. She quickly became a leading realtor/broker at F.C. Tucker Company where her successes earned her membership in the President’s Club.
Carol was diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the brain, glioblastoma, in January, 2021. She battled her cancer courageously and relentlessly for eleven months despite suffering serious physical limitations caused by the tumor. Carol left her family a legacy of love, compassion and spirituality that will carry on forever. The family is grateful for the excellent care of her doctors and staff at Indiana University Health-Methodist Hospital and her wonderful caregivers. The Burns family would like to thank her many friends and family for their support over this past year, especially Tom and Jody Burns.
In lieu of a visitation, we are celebrating Carol’s life, and many significant contributions, at the Willows Event Center (6729 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis) from 1-5pm on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. All are welcome to attend. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Dr., Indianapolis. Please know that even if you cannot be at the church, you are welcome at the Willows to celebrate with the family! Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the IU Health Foundation for glioblastoma research, https://www.iuhealthfoundation.org/donate. O’Riley Funeral Home is serving the family. Flowers should be directed to the Willows if they are being sent. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Dan and Marta – We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you/your families during this difficult time. We love you and are here for you.
Carol Burns was loved by so many! She was a 2nd mom to myself and so many others growing up. Her family was everything to her. Carol, we love you very much and will miss you dearly.
May Carol’s larger than life personality live on in all of the amazing Burns bunch! She leaves an irreplaceable hole – sending our deepest sympathy, continued prayers and endless love to the Knittel & Burns’ families during this difficult time. With love, The Baker family
Thank you for being a second family to my children. You will be missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Carol several times at events of her brother Joe and family!! She was a great presence and offered her help to me when I became a grant writer. She leaves a beautiful legacy.
Carol was an undeniably dedicated and consistent mother to her own children and many others who became hers by choice. She was a loving, hard working woman who till the end did things her way. We appreciate your love and protection and thank you for showing us to never give up. Rest in peace. We love you and the family so much!
My most sincere sympathies to Carol’s family, particularly to her brother, Joseph, his wife, Ann, and their children and grandchildren. May the sorrow you feel in your hearts soon be replaced by nothing but the happiest memories of this lovely lady.
Tim and family: My heart breaks at the news of Carol’s death. She is someone I’ve known and admired for over 50 years. Carol was an amazing lady–teacher, mother, friend, professional, and wonderful Realtor. She will be missed terribly. My prayers are with you all. Ginny Hawks Campbell
Much love to Burns family from the Kellers. The past few days we have been reminiscing about all the great times we’ve had over the years in So Cal celebrating many life events. Carol sure knew how to throw a party and make us all feel welcome. She was the absolute best and will be greatly missed.
It’s been many, many years since I have seen Carol. However, I still remember her fondly as one of our great team of teachers at Mary Castle Elementary. May she forever live in all of our memories as a wonderful person, dedicated to her family, the children she taught, and to all who were lucky to know her.
Carol Burns- the absolute BEST! We all know this because look at her awesome kids!! I was so fortunate to call Carol my second mom in my 20s during my days in LA with suzanne, matt and Dan (and Andrea during visits!). I loved those days of sitting with your mom on the beach and talking about life! She will be missed but not forgotten! I am just so sorry that she is gone so soon. Big hugs and love from all the Kellers to the Burns family!
Every time I came over Carol always made me feel so welcome. Also every memory I have of being at the Burns house is accompanied with a full spread in the kitchen. She will be greatly missed!
As college friend in her household, I was introduced to new foods, rich debate, and was doted on like her own child. After college, she helped me land one of my first jobs. And when the time came for me to move on to another job in another place, rather than expressing disappointment, she encouraged me onward and upward, trusting that my future lay somewhere only I could locate.
With deepest sympathy,
I was lucky enough to play baseball with Matt and Dan, and Carol was Mrs. Coach in Little League. As I matured into an adult, we would mysteriously run into one another around the northside of Indy and she was always just the sweetest and nicest women I’ve ever known. Sending love and peach to Matt, Dan, and the rest of the family. Scott Kennedy
I am so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing, she is gone much too soon. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out. May my beautiful cousin Rest In Peace ❤️
We will always love you Carol.
Tim and children, I am so very very sorry. Such a beautiful picture of Carol. Jane Nash
Sending our love and prayers to the Burns Family. So very sorry for the loss, we know how painful this is.
Carol was a wise woman with a beautiful soul. Although her loss will create a large void in countless lives I believe her loving and giving spirit will bridge the gap and she will live on forever through her loved one’s and their actions and thoughts. Sincere condolences to Tim and Family. I’m so sorry.
We will always remember Carol as bubbly, kind , thoughtful and beautiful inside and out! It was a true blessing for our family to know her through the Knittel clan! May you all find some peace in the dear memories you hold in your hearts! With love the Stephens Family!
It was always a pleasure to see her when she and Papa Tim came to visit! So beautiful and full of joy and optimism, with an obvious love for her children and grandchildren. We can only imagine the heartache, but also consider her resting and smiling and dancing freely in Heaven, without pain, without ailment. We love you all! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Christine Pagunuran and family
We are very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol was as beautiful inside as she was out. She loved deeply to all who were lucky enough to know her. I am forever grateful for our friendship all of these years and Will Loggan was blessed with an amazing Godmother!!!! I know Paul was up there waiting to greet her with one of his big bear hugs.
Lit a candle in memory of Carol Ann Scozzafava Burns
I loved spending time with Carol when she’d visit DPIC. I’ll always remember her grace, quick wit, enthusiasm, and kindness- many of the qualities I can see she passed down to her daughter, Suzanne! She will be missed by many, and remembered for being a wonderful lady & Mom and Grandma. My love & prayers are with the family during this difficult time.ߙ
May she Rest In Paradise. My deepest condolences .
I only met Carol in 2020 as a colleague at Tucker. I instantly felt her warmth, kindness, compassion, and fervor. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her commitment to her family and her clients was above and beyond. I feel so blessed to have sat and talked with her just last month. I prayed for her bodies ability to beat this! Carol, you will be missed; but your spirit and blessings will live among us.
So sorry for your loss. So many great memories with the entire Burns family over the last 20 years. Carol was an iconic hostess always- so many cocktail parties, Italian feasts on Huntington with lots of vino around the kitchen island, always greeted with a smile and lots of entertaining conversations. Fun memories at Xavier/Cincy with visits to Suzanne over various parent’s weekends at 1942 Hudson and 1927 Cleaney Ave. Deepest sympathy to the whole family from the Hasbrook family Suzanne Burns Knittel love you all- Carol will be missed dearly! Andrew & Julie Hasbrook Family
Wishing our sincere condolences to the Burns family. We are truly sorry for your loss and you will be in our thoughts & prayers. Carol was a wonderful woman & will be greatly missed by all who knew her . It has been a great pleasure knowing that her daughter Suzanne & our daughter Meghan have been such good friends over the many years & throughout their Xavier days together. God bless you Suzanne & much love!!
We send our sympathy to Tim, Suzanne, Matt, Daniel, and Andrea for the loss of their dear wife/mother. We were able to watch the funeral Mass on-line and agree with the overall description of Carol as a woman who always engaged with others in a caring and friendly way. We remember times spent with the Burns family when the children were young and close to the ages of our kids back before we moved to San Diego. Nancy remembers “girl” trips to Chicago in the Fall, shopping on Michigan Ave. and Carol always purchasing gifts for her kids instead of items for herself. Also, meeting in Palm Desert, CA when Tim competed in bike marathons. Dave & Tim have a long history in the law practice at 116 N. Delaware. Always supporting one another throughout the years. Christmas Day will be remembered as the day Carol was re-born into eternal life. She will be our heavenly angel. Love from San Diego, Nancy & Dave Foley
As a young teen, I looked up to my older cousin Carol and I was so surprised and thrilled when she asked me to be in her wedding! Carol was a beautiful soul and a warm, caring person. I had not seen her in many years, but I will always have memories of family gatherings in Danbury, CT. Rest In Peace my cousin Mary Ann (Scozzafava) Chan
Our heartfelt sympathies to Tim and his family. We learned of Carol’s passing during Father Francis’ announcements on New Year’s Day during Saint Pius X’s livestream Mass. As Tim was a law firm partner of my father attorney Owen Mullin, George & I had had the privilege of meeting Carol on several social occasions over the years. She was personable, upbeat, and clearly proud of her family. We are keeping the Tim Burns family in our prayers.–George & Mary Theresa Mullin Wright