Nadia Burns, a beloved wife of Hugh Burns, mother, grandmother, sister, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 15, 2025. She was 66 years old and surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family.
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on May 19, 1959, Nadia was the cherished daughter of Aroldo Soares (deceased) and Nadir Munhoz Soares. She was raised in Washington, D.C. and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Nadia graduated from the University of Scranton in 1981, the same year she married the love of her life, Hugh Burns, on December 5. Their nearly 44-year marriage was a beautiful journey of partnership, laughter, and adventure. Together, they created a life filled with love, purpose, and family—a life that took them across the world as they raised their six children with courage, patience, and a remarkable sense of humor.
As a dedicated military spouse, Nadia met every new chapter with resilience and open-heartedness. She lovingly raised Melissa Heath (David), Emily Burns (Rebecca), Sarah Clarke (Tommy), Kathleen Burns (Jonah), Sean Burns (Megan), and Meghan Burns (Curtis). Her capacity to love extended far beyond her immediate family, always ready to welcome, guide, and care for others.
Nadia was a woman of intelligence, creativity, and quiet strength. She brought these gifts into her work in customer service leadership across both public and private sectors. Alongside Hugh, she co-owned and operated the Williamsburg Brewing Company (1996–2006) and The Mise en Place gourmet meal kitchen (2006–2008)—ventures that reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and love for good food, great company, and community connection.
Her professional path also included many years of service at Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and at the National Center for State Courts from 2006 to 2015, where her kindness and dedication left lasting impressions.
Nadia’s deep compassion extended to animals as well—especially those without a voice. She had a special place in her heart for rescue animals, always opening her home to pets who needed love the most.
Above all, Nadia’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Hugh; her mother, Nadir; her siblings, Marcia Walsh (Larry) and Jeffrey Soares (Donna); her six children and their spouses; and her beloved grandchildren, Aidan and Eleanor, who knew her as their adoring “Gigi.”
Nadia’s legacy is one of love—steadfast, unconditional, and deeply felt. She gave freely of herself, lifting others with her thoughtfulness, humor, and quiet strength. She will be remembered always for her deep compassion, her radiant smile, and the way she made every person feel seen and valued.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you act to promote social justice and animal welfare in honor of Nadia’s legacy.
