Alana Simone Thomas-Burns
October 16, 1987 - March 1, 2022
As Alana Simone Thomas-Burns came down the North side of Mt. Bierstandt in September 2010 after her first successful hike up a 14,000 ft. mountain, she saw a man sitting alone on a rock. Since the only other human around for miles was her hiking partner, she decided to walk over to the man to make sure everything was OK.
After a few minutes, she walked back to her hiking partner and said, “I hope I gave him the right directions–I haven’t done a hike like this before.”
Hours later, Alana saw the same man in the parking lot–he had found his way down exactly where she suggested. She was a natural hiker, which surprised no one. She had a knack for most things she did; she was just gifted. And she was a gift to all of those who knew her.
Alana passed away from her injuries several days after being struck by a drunk driver in Fort Collins, Colorado on February 26, 2022. She was 34. Alana leaves behind her husband, Sean Burns, her parents, Robert and Diane Thomas, her brother Dylan Thomas, and her cat Jigsaw and bearded dragon Lizzy.
Born on October 16, 1987 in Sleepy Hollow, New York, Alana moved to Morrison, Colorado in July, 1991 after spending her first few years in New York.
“At the time she was born, it was called North Tarrytown, but after her birth it was changed back to Sleepy Hollow,” said her mother, Diane. “She just loved the fact that she was born in Sleepy Hollow, so that’s where we say she was born if it’s not a legal thing.”
A devourer of good storytelling, Alana was often found deep in a favorite book, or weaving her next backstory for a new Dungeons and Dragons character.
“She was reading at a third grade level in kindergarten,” said her father, Robert. “We didn’t have anyone to compare her to, so we figured that was normal. We didn’t realize how special that was until her teachers told us.”
Alana translated her love of reading into a passion for writing. While she was a career programmer, where Alana did some of her proudest writing in code, her true passion was creative writing, and she’d regularly practice writing in her free time. When stories failed to meet her expectations, she simply rewrote them.
“I think I’m going to write my own version of The Book of Boba Fett,” Alana said two weeks before her unexpected passing. “It really needs more rancor training scenes.”
Growing up with Star Wars, Alana spent countless hours swooshing X-Wing Fighters against TIE Fighters with friends, and later agreed to a Star Wars themed marriage ceremony. The event started as a small backyard ceremony with husband Sean Burns to celebrate May 4, 2021 (“May the 4th be with you”).
Sean wore a classic Jedi robe while Alana wore Rey-inspired attire. She held a lightsaber bouquet. The event contained a fair share of Star Wars puns, as well.
“You will find my love as inescapable as the Sarlacc pit,” said Sean to his bride-to-be while promising a lifetime full of more Star Wars puns. “The people here have told me how much I light up when I talk about you.”
Alana, who vowed to appreciate the puns throughout the marriage, kept her vows a bit more traditional.
“I vow to appreciate every day I get to spend with you,” Alana told her husband. “I never used to be sure I’d have a future, but now I see it everyday. Family, friends, gardening, homes, travel, cooking, and watching the trees grow tall in the sunshine.”
The plan was to have a larger (still Star Wars) wedding on May 5 (“Revenge of the 5th”), 2022, once COVID-19 levels improved.
Alana never made it to the wedding, and instead left a memorable impact on her family and friends in unexpected ways.
In her “Hero’s Walk,” which is when organ donors are moved from the intensive care unit, the nurses played Star Wars music and rested a lightsaber next to Alana’s hands while the hospital staff lined the walls to let her pass. Alana improved a lot of lives with her gifts.
“Alana was the definition of extraordinary; brilliant, witty, talented, and so much more,” said Danielle Lagerlöf, one of her best friends who knew Alana for 28 years. “As she grew, she evolved and made me want to evolve, too.”
While Alana may not physically be with her friends and family, her presence is all around. She can be felt through dice, as she was an avid tabletop gamer. She can be felt through a good yoga practice, as she loved yoga and encouraged others to do it with her any chance she got. As a life-long LEGO builder, any Castle or Lord of the Rings LEGO piece carries a bit of Alana, too (but keep them at your house, she didn’t want the clutter).
In the event of her passing, Alana requested to be put to rest in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Instead of being buried or traditionally cremated, Alana’s remains will be used toward planting and fertilizing a tree, which was chosen for its beautiful colors and popularity among animals. A life-long animal lover, Alana’s family knows she’d be delighted by every creature seeking comfort from her tree, from a squirrel to a psyduck.
The tree also allows loved ones to curl up with a good book near Alana anytime they choose, and gives Sean more opportunities to share Star Wars puns with her, just like he vowed at their wedding.
“Just like the Force,” as Sean had told his bride at the ceremony, “I’ll be with you, always.”
Memorial Services
We will be holding a small family and close friends ceremony March 26th, but there will be a larger gathering for the planting of her tree in May or June.
Make a Donation
NoCo Wildlife Center
Alana loved Lizzie the bearded dragon, and she cared a ton about animals. She volunteered at NoCo Wildlife Center, who:
"Rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and when successful, release those animals back into their natural habitats.
Educate the public about the natural histories of wildlife native to northern Colorado, ways to peacefully coexist with them, and provide humane solutions to human-wildlife conflicts.
Promote and advocate the preservation and restoration of native ecosystems that provide wildlife places to live and thrive."
The Blue Bench
Alana was a fierce advocate for women, and also a strong believer in therapy as her first degree was in Psychology. The Blue Bench, per their website: "Every day we work tirelessly to eliminate sexual assault and diminish the impact it has on individuals, their loved ones and our community. Through our efforts in issue advocacy, prevention and care we strive to elevate topic awareness and lead the charge to end sexual assault. Your donation will ensure that our prevention and care services are available and accessible."
