Virginia U. Burns of 10 Whig St., Trumansburg, passed away at Cayuga Medical Center on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the age of 91.

Born on June 5, 1920 in Ithaca, Virginia was the daughter of the Late Abram G. and Mary Bergen Updike. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by two brothers, Claire and Vance. She is survived by Lester Burns, her devoted husband of 67 years, and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia graduated from Trumansburg Central School in 1937 and from the Practical Business School at Ithaca in 1938. She served as Secretary for the Personnel Director at NYSEG until her marriage on August 11, 1943.  Virginia returned to NYSEG following her husband’s inducted into the Army.  Later in life, Virginia worked for 10 years as Secretary for Ed Farrell in the Farrell-Messler Insurance Company in Trumansburg.

Virginia proudly acted as typist and booster for her husband while he was working on his theses for his Masters and Doctoral degrees. Lester dedicated his Doctoral thesis to Virginia.

Many will remember Virginia for the dinners she hosted at her cottage, and for the sourdough bread that people found hanging on their doorknob. She was also an avid walker even before it became a popular healthful exercise.

After suffering a stroke in 2002, Virginia became a resident at Bridges Cornell Heights where she was a beloved member of the Bridges family.

A Graveside Service at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg will begin at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, June 21^st with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey officiating.

A Celebration of Life at Bridges Cornell Heights, 407 Wyckoff Ave., Ithaca, will begin at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, June 29^th.

Those considering a contribution in Virginia’s memory are asked to remember a charity of their choice.