Burgess-Thurston, Lola "Jean" age 84 of Anoka, passed away at home on Feb. 17, 2021 in Gilbert, AZ. She was born August 21, 1936 in Minot, ND and was a resident of Anoka since 1963. Jean was one of a kind, full of life and adventure, she will be remembered with great fondness by many friends and colleagues. She was passionate about education and graduated from Mankato State University with a teaching degree and went on to receive her Master's degree and credits from University of St. Thomas with the equivalent of a PhD. She taught school mostly in the Anoka School Dist.11 as an Art coordinator for K-12. After retirement she continued teaching at Summer Academy until 2019. She was proud of her family heritage, she was a member of the Mayflower Society and a DAR member. Table #125 at Canterbury Downs will never be as bright without the lady with all the hats. Preceded in death by her daughter, Hayley; parents, Emory & Minerva Burgess. Survived by her husband of 52 years, Edward; daughter, Jill (Brent); grandchildren, Andrew (Toangie), Joe, Macie, Cody & Molly; great-granddaughters, Anaya & Amora; step-son, Craig Teague and special friend, Rebecca Lano. Due to COVID-19 there will not be a formal funeral, but there will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220