Obituary of Betty D. Burns

Betty Doree Burns, aged 91 yrs., 1 mo. and 26 days, died at her home in Bath at 9:39 PM July 10, 2015, completing the circle of life, having been born at home in Elmira on May 15, 1924. Her parents were Joseph Hebbe (deceased 1995) and Beatrice (Luce) Hebbe (deceased 1976). She graduated from Haverling Central School with the Class of 1942 and was involved in numerous activities while in school. She was on the Haverlinguist staff, the High Spots staff, a member of the Girls Reserves, the Art Club, the Dramatics Club and the GAA. Always up for fun, she served on both the Junior Prom and Senior Prom Committees. Betty was on the cheerleading squad with the best friend she ever had, Barb (Mancini) Wilcox, with whom she spoke every day until Barb died. In her teen years, she worked as a pinsetter at the Steuben Bowling Academy in the days before automatic pinsetting machines and later worked for Corning Glass Company as an office worker. On June 30, 1945 she married the love of her life Lynn H. Burns. Lynn and Betty had three children that adored her-James, Judy, and Tom. While raising them, Lynn and Betty worked together in the family farm equipment business on Lake Salubria in Bath until Lynn's death on February 8, 1976. Upon Lynn's passing, Betty and her oldest son, James, became partners and continued the family business as Burns Equipment until she retired in the fall of 1986. Betty spent many wonderful years later in life with her long-term steadfast companion, Jim Lennon. They enjoyed traveling to Long Island and New York City, listening to records, feeding the hummingbirds, and spent many evening sipping on Old Fashions, watching sunsets. Betty also loved being a mom and loved her children immensely. She was stern, but fair, and always did what was best for her family. She never stopped being a mom and it was her true calling in life until her death. She also adored and relished her many grandchildren. A candy dish was always full in her house for them when they were little and grandma Betty always had sage, no nonsense advice for them as they grew into adults. She never hesitated to inject a bit of her own brand of humor when a situation demanded it. With the arrival of each new, cute, chubby great grandbabies arrived (7 fabulous girls!) Betty always had an enormous smile and delighted in spending time with them. Each of her great granddaughters possess her fiery spunk and are also fortunate enough to inherit Betty's charm, smarts, good looks, feisty will, and infectious laugh. We also think they will one day love to wear high heels like Betty did. Betty was a kind neighbor and highly respected as a member of the community with sterling character and unwavering loyalty. She was well known in the business community, particularly in the farming industry. She raised her children to be honored and respected members of the community and contributing members to society. She was held in high esteem by all who knew her. She loved to laugh, enjoyed telling stories, and always rolled with life's ups and downs. While her last years were challenging due to the ailments of old age, she remained courageous, stoic, and graceful until the end. She never felt sorry for herself but instead held enormous gratitude for the amazing life that she had lived. We believe Betty died as she had lived - with absolutely no regrets after living life to its fullest and having much fun! At her death she knew she was in her home, surrounded and loved by her many children, grandchildren and multiple great granddaughters. She will truly be missed by her family for her good cheer, wise counsel and her love for her family. We are heartbroken but feel so fortunate to have had her for so many years. Betty had three children with Lynn, James H. (Diane - deceased 1997) Burns, of Bath, Judy L. (Beverley) Burns of Tuxedo Park, NY and Thomas J. Burns of Clermont, FL. In addition to her three children, she is survived by four grandchildren: Matthew (Heidi) Burns of Bath, Dr. Amy (Chris) Kintner of Hershey, PA, Lynn (Erin) Burns of Arlington, VA and Lindsey Burns of Addison, NY. She is also survived by 7 great granddaughters: Morgan and Sydney (Matthew), Reagan and Colette (Amy), Paige and Emery (Lynn) and Kadence (Lindsey) and nephews Norman (Kathleen) Reynolds and Steve (Kriggy) Muller and nieces Sue (Robert) Bennett, Marilyn (Richard) Virkus and Diane (Hadi) Vafi. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to her niece Sue Bennett and her caretaker, Jodi Daley, for their loving care in her final years. The calling hours will be at Fagan's Funeral Home on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM immediately followed by a memorial service at Fagan's to celebrate Betty's wonderful life. Refreshments will be served at the Presbyterian Church Recreational Hall following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Bath Fire Department and the Bath Police Benevolent Association. The world has changed and it is not a better place, but a poorer one, for her passing.