Edelgard Erna Burns

North Lawrence – Edelgard E. Burns, 84, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Sunday, September 14, 2014, with her loving family by her side. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Born in Berlin, Germany on October 3, 1929, Edelgard is the daughter of the late Ferdinand W. and Erna O. (Schrammar) Vogelgesang. On March 28, 1949, she married Michael J. Burns in Berlin, sharing 52 years of commitment to each other. In 1952, she moved to the US by boat with two little children, Rosalee and Rita. She dedicated herself to her family and to the new country she moved to by becoming a US Citizen in 1980. Her beloved Michael passed away on March 18, 2002, ten days before their 53rd anniversary. Her most important purpose in life was to care for her family, living proof of the true meaning of wife and mother. She had a great strength of character, sharing her cooking traditions of her "German Specialties" that her family enjoyed. She nurtured her family and friends, gifting her crafts that she had sewn, knitted and crocheted and had a Green Thumb for gardening. Edelgard loved sunflowers and took great pride in her flower gardens. She had special closeness to her family, especially her love for her grandchildren, all who felt her affection and compassion. Edelgard was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence and a member of the VFW Auxiliary in North Lawrence. She is survived by one son and daughter in law, John and Connie Burns of Hopkinton; daughters and sons in law, Rita and James McCuin of North Lawrence, Bonnie and Charlie Morrissette of Cornwall, Ontario, Mary Cook and Tina and Larry Foley of North Lawrence; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. Always close to her heart are the memories of her husband, Michael, her daughter, Rosalee Cheney and her grandson, Brent Cheney. Edelgard was one of eleven children; Gunter, Kurt, Heinz, Horst, Gert, Dieter Lothar, Manfred, Christel and Ursula, all who remain in Germany. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop from 5 to 8 pm and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:15am. Edelgard's Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 11 am at St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence with her burial to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in North Lawrence. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in her memory, please consider donations to the CPH Cancer Care Center, 50 Leroy Street, Potsdam, NY 13676 or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.hammillfh.com.