Heather V. (Russell) Burnash

Heather VaLynn (Russell) Burnash

March 22, 1975 - January 5, 2026

Burnash, Heather - Age 50, passed too soon and too young after a battle with cancer on January 5, 2026, surrounded by a circle of friends and family who adored her.

Heather graduated from Kearsley High School in 1992 - go Hornets! She valued knowledge, facts, and higher education; had a deep interest in politics; loved history; and knew from a very young age that she wanted to be an attorney. Heather’s pursuit of these interests was directly reflected in her educational path: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Cooley Law School.

Early in her career, Heather proudly served as a Neighborhood Planner with LISC/AmeriCorps, was Executive Director of the Whaley Historical House in Flint, and held positions with the Michigan Democratic Party, the Michigan House of Representatives, and the City of Flint Department of Community & Neighborhood Services. After graduating from law school, she worked in several positions at the Genesee County Circuit Court, was a partner at The Law Office of Burnash & Hammon, and served as an Associate Attorney for Simen, Figura & Parker. In 2012, she established her own firm, the Law Offices of Heather V. Burnash, specializing in criminal defense. Her practice thrived, and she deeply loved her chosen career. In 2021, she was proud to be a finalist for the MLive Media People’s Choice Awards for Best Lawyer.

Community service and volunteerism were of paramount importance in Heather’s life. She was an avid champion of the City of Flint, with much of her work focused on strengthening downtown Flint and the surrounding neighborhoods. Heather was known for her philanthropy and generous support of numerous local organizations, often including hands-on efforts such as neighborhood, park, and cemetery cleanups.

She served too many organizations to name them all, but notable roles included: Mott Community College Board Member (2023-2025); Genesee County Historic District Commission member for 15 years, serving as Chair from 2017-2024; Friends of the Alley (FOTA) Board Member (2019-2022); Genesee County Bar Association (GCBA) Board Member (2022-2025); State Bar of Michigan Character & Fitness Committee Member (2018-2023); Community Foundation Façade Beautification Program Board Member (2004-2008); University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Association “Go Blue on the Bricks” Committee Member (2009-2012); Specialty Courts Advisory Board Member (2017-2019); Saint John Vianney Auction Committee Co-Chair (2012-2023); Downtown Neighborhood Association Co-Founder (2009); Education Task Force Hearing Organizer, GISD (2002); Precinct Delegate for Davison Township (three terms) and the City of Flint (eight terms); Whaley Historical House Board Member (1999, 2009-2010, 2017-2019) and Restoration Committee Member (1999); Planned Parenthood of East Central Michigan Board Member (2000-2002); and Genesee County Young Democrats President and founding member in 1993. Her community activism has been recognized by the following honors: Hurley Foundation Sybyl Award Nominee 2019; GCBA Brian M. Barley Community Service Award 2022; and GCBA Board Member Service Appreciation 2025.

To Heather, politics were integral to community service. She held various roles for candidates she supported over the past three decades, including Campaign Manager, Volunteer Coordinator and Field Director. She walked many miles going door to door to promote candidates or initiatives she supported, distributed campaign literature, phone banked, organized fundraisers, dropped lawn signs, and more. She was proud to be a daughter of a UAW member and was a strong supporter of organized labor. She fervently attended strikes, parades, and protests that promoted progressive ideals and human rights.

In 1997, Heather purchased an 1890s home in downtown Flint, and its renovation became a long-term passion project. She raised her children there and emerged as a modern pioneer, encouraging others to move to and invest in the city. The developments in downtown Flint reflect Heather’s vision for a strong, vibrant community, and seeing that vision come to fruition brought her great joy.

Heather was preceded in death by her father, Joy “Bud” Russell. She is survived by her mother, Joyce (Fittante) Russell and by her brother, Judson “Joe” Russell, and by her two beloved children, Sydney and Liv Burnash. She is also lovingly remembered by her dear longtime friends Shannon Ash, Marcus Randolph, Jessica Smith Brown, Jill Williams, and Julie Liell Hurst who all lovingly cared for her in her final days.

Funeral service will be held 1 PM Monday, January 12, 2026 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley St., Flint, MI 48504 (and will be livestreamed at (https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnVianneyFlint/streams) with Fr. Tom Firestone officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flint. Visitation will be held 4-8 PM Sunday, January 11 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Visitation will also be held from 12-1 PM Monday, January 12 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made by check payable “Fred Meiers, Trust Account” and mailed to 1034 S. Grand Traverse, Flint, MI 48502; or by Venmo at: https://account.venmo.com/u/Erwin-Meiers . Any remaining balance will be distributed to Heather’s children.

It is Heather’s personal request that in lieu of flowers, everyone please stop watching Fox News.

Arrangements entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.