"Wishing you peace and comfort . May love surround you."
In loving memory of
Elaniv Ayanna Burnett
April 25, 2005 - March 5, 2021
Elaniv Ayanna Burnett, passed away at the tender age of 15, surrounded by her dad Tatnai, her mom Tania, her sister Elyana, her uncle Atuhani, her Aunt Asel, her uncle Nestor, her Aunt Jane, her cousin Evelyn and close friends. We all held her hands tight, squeezed her feet, kissed her head, and sang songs to her as we gave her permission to leave this life. The time was 7:17am, March 5, 2021, at the Mayo hospital. We will never forget her.
Elaniv was born April 25, 2005 at the University of Michigan. She was a 7 lb 14 oz bundle of joy. As the family moved from Michigan to Springfield, Illinois, and finally to Rochester, Minnesota, Elaniv grew into a gorgeous and intelligent young woman. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Kellogg Middle school, and then Century High School. Elaniv was a meticulous student and excelled in school. She loved math and science. Elaniv had not yet decided what she wanted to be when she grew up, but it was the unanimous opinion of the family that she could do anything she set her mind to. Elaniv was an athlete. She was an excellent gymnast, particularly when she did power tumbling while in Springfield, IL. She also loved running. She trained with Century High School and was considered a promising cross country runner. Elaniv especially enjoyed snowboarding with her dad and went frequently during the season. She snowboarded double black diamond runs and often hiked with her dad to out of the way slopes to get untouched powder. Although she was not as outgoing as her sister, her sense of humor was real and really infectious when it came out. We will always remember her for that slightly lopsided smile that made us all wonder if the joke was actually on us.
Elaniv is survived immediately by her father, Tatnai Leonor Burnett, mother Tania Lynne Gainza-Burnett, and sister Elyana Rose. She is also survived on her fathers side by her great grandfather Evrad Leonce, her grandfather Austin George Burnett, grandmother Olive Eleanor Burnett. On her mother's side by her grandfather Nestor Arnoldo Gainza Sr., grandmother Olga Ivonne Campbell de Gainza. She is survived by uncles Atuhani Seth Burnett, Dave Anand-Burnett, Nestor Stephan Gainza, and aunts Jane Zanger, Tehani Rose Burnett, Natasha Anand-Burnett, and Asel Kazkenova Burnett. Elaniv is survived by scores of great aunts and uncles, scores of second cousins. We are all inconsolably devastated by her passing.
A virtual memorial service will be held via Zoom on March 12th at 6:00pm CST.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Burnett family.
Tributes
"I am grateful for you courageously sharing your story. It has helped my home family communicate about these difficult topics. You are in my prayers. Sincerely, Chris"
"Dear family. I just finished reading the NYT article in which you so courageously share a little of your daughters story. I am a teacher of high school students. I am grateful for you sharing your story. Holding space for you and praying for your peace."
"Sweet family - I just read the insightful article in the NYT this morning. I am so so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Elaniv. As a parent who has lost a newborn and lost an older sister to suicide, I know how very hard the path of grief can be. Hold each other gently. "
"Elaniv was a great gymnast, we did gymnastics together on the highschool team, she was such a positive person to be around, always kind, i send my best wishes to the family. Heaven gained another angel. -Aubree Powell "
"Elaniv was a great gymnast, we did gymnastics together on the highschool team, she was such a positive person to be around, always kind, i send my best wishes to the family. Heaven gained another angel. -Aubree Powell "
"Tatnai--I am sending much love and hugs to you and your family. I cannot imagine your loss. Wishing you strength to make it thru each day. Katy Gold (University of Michigan)"
"Dear Burnett Family, I am so deeply deeply sorry for your indescribable loss. I work with Tatnai. My most fervent prayers are with your family. Love, Katie Arendt"
"Dear Burnett Family, I am so deeply deeply sorry for your indescribable loss. I work with Tatnai. My most fervent prayers are with your family. Love, Katie Arendt"
"We are so sorry to hear about Elaniv. Rachel and Elaniv did a few things together, including a birthday party at our house. Our hearts our breaking for your family. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. She was definitely a light! So beautiful!!! Chad, Trish, Cleo and Rachel Hanson"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue Ille"
"Despite not having her as a student, Elaniv was someone who I wanted to get to know because she was a remarkable individual. She will be missed by all who knew her. You are all in my prayers."
"To our neighbors Tatnai, Tania, and Elyana, The kindness of your sweet daughter Elaniv will live on. She was such a beautiful young woman who was so polite. We will miss seeing her in the neighborhood. Words cannot express how sad we are for you and your family. You are all in our prayers."
"I remember playing dolls up in Elyana's room I remember swimming in the pool during the summer I remember the bike rides to the park we used to take after lunch on Sabbath I remember the sleepovers we used to have and watching movies and eating up all the snacks in the pantry I remember the late night talks we used to have and the pranks she used to pull on me I remember watching her do tricks on the trampoline and being jealous. All the memories I made with her I'll never forget how could I she made a great impact on me. "
"Dr Burnett, I am a CRNA you used to work with. I am so very very sorry for you and your family's loss. My heart aches for all of you. You are all in my prayers"