Obituary of Dorothy C. Burns

Dorothy Cali Burns (83), of Westvale, passed away Monday, July 13, at Iroquois Nursing Home after a brief illness. Born in Syracuse, Dorothy was the widow of William A Burns, a pioneer kidney transplant recipient before his death in September 1973, and was also predeceased by dear friend Frederick J. Wall, who died in November 1999. Dorothy had been a communicant and active member of St Charles Catholic Church since 1951. She retired as a Contract Specialist in 1994 after 20 years at the Syracuse Veterans Administration Medical Center. She loved to travel, planning many family cross country camping vacations in the 1960's. Later adventures included trips to Sicily, South America and throughout the northeast. Her most recent trip was to San Francisco in April to celebrate her granddaughter's wedding. Dorothy was devoted to her extended family and wide circle of friends. She was a dedicated participant in many local organizations. She remained close to her "great" Eastwood High School Class of June 1948, and was proud of her Onondaga Community College 1984 Associate Degree. Her enjoyment of education and learning continued through her life. She was a longtime volunteer usher at the Civic Center & Landmark Theater; a charter member of Solvay-Geddes Historical Society; life member of Friends of the Solvay Public Library; member of the local Italian American Heritage Society; and charter member of Central NY Kidney Disease Society. She was a life member of the Split Rock Elementary School Mothers Club, and an active West Genesee parent. Survived by her sister, Rose Cali of Liverpool; daughters, Rebecca (James) Gaul and Nancy (Timothy) Minor; son, William R. Burns, all of Northern Virginia; 5 grandchildren, many cousins, in-laws and dear friends. Services: 10:30 am Saturday at Tindall Funeral Home and 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Church, 501 S. Orchard Rd., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow later this summer in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be 4 to7 pm Friday at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, attn: Sister Brigid, 396 Conklin Rd, Binghamton, NY 13903, or www.findingthetreasure.org.