Patricia Ann Burgevin

Patricia Ann Meyn Burgevin passed into life-and-love after life on May 20th, 2026. Patti was buried at Greensprings Natural Cemetery in a private ceremony on a cool and windy day on May 24th. It was there her grandchildren paid tribute to her and surrounded her with flowers before placing her gently in the living earth and covering her with evergreen boughs. She was proud of her 21st century name, Strawberry Great Blue Heron Many Flowers, so it was apt when a great blue heron flew over Greensprings just in time to remind us she was, and always will be, with us.

Patti was so many things to so many people. One thing held true across the arc of her long life and if you had the honor of knowing Patti you would know that she led with love and compassion. She didn’t hold back and she didn’t discriminate. In her eyes, everyone was important and equal.

Patti was raised by her two devoted parents, Curtis and Ruth Meyn (Bruring) who gave her the love one needs to grow into a secure and loving adult. She experienced many happy times in her small hometown of Hamburg, New York, where she spent summers reading books, enjoying activities with her fellow Bluebirds, and growing alongside her two older siblings, William Meyn and Norma Ferro (Meyn). She harvested plums every autumn from her family’s plum tree so her mother could make her coveted plum kuchen.

A scholar at heart with a passion for literature, Patti attended St. Lawrence University where she studied English Literature. It was there she met her husband-to-be, Jules David Burgevin. Philosophy 101 was a life-changing course for both; it literally changed the course of their lives forever. Throughout their joyful 72 years together, Patti and Jules created a beautiful family whose ripples continue to flow and echo…David Curtis Burgevin, his two children and their spouses (Linnea and Tom, Dylan and Jennifer), Anne Elise Burgevin and the Burgevin-Agawu-Kakraba family (Yaw Agawu-Kakraba, Sena and Nicholas, Delali and Kaelah), Peter Daniel Burgevin, his spouse (Margo Alexander), their two children and their spouses, (Michael and Frank, Connor and Shipnia) and their delightful granddaughter, Ria, Connor and Shipnia’s child.

Patti, familiarly known as Grandflower, sought to understand the people she loved by listening carefully to them and asking them astute questions. As a high school librarian for many years, she helped teens find answers to their questions in their pursuit of higher knowledge and personal meaning in life. At the end of every school year, she arrived home with boxes of borrowed books specially chosen for her children. Summertime was reading time at their home on Halsey Street.

Patti had close and meaningful relationships with her siblings, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, and nieces and nephews with whom she shared many fun times. Patti was also present for them when they needed guidance or support. One playful moment was when she and her sister-in-law, Judith, had an informal contest to see how many ears of corn each could eat, all in fun, of course.

Truly, plants fascinated Patti. She and Jules grew extensive perennial gardens on their ‘Nature Acre’ for 57 years, and Patti studied to become a Master Gardener in her retirement. Because plants were Patti’s language of love, she excitedly anticipated springtime, when love and flower blossoms were in the air.

Most recently, Patti spent time reflecting on the past. She and Jules talked for endless hours as they reminisced, laughed and appreciated life. They often reviewed their end-of-life promise to one another. And ultimately, a promise kept, Patti was able to pass peacefully at home with Jules by her side. Through their lengthy reminiscing, they also agreed their greatest happiness was raising, loving, and educating their three children. Education was at the center of Patti’s sense of purpose, so much so that while Jules attained his higher degrees, she wholeheartedly supported him, and vice versa when Patti earned her master’s degree in library science.

Considering her devotion to the power of education as a vehicle for transformation, we ask you to honor her by donating to the Ulysses Philomathic Library or other organizations Patti felt strongly about helping, and which are listed below.

Patti would appreciate knowing you helped others in their pursuit of literacy, learning, food assistance, land preservation, and local rescue services during their day-to-day lives, the place where she knew the most impactful acts of kindness were likely to be felt. Above all, please carry Patti’s compassion forward with a big, beautiful smile on your face.

Patti’s long walk home…wildflowers in one pocket......wild strawberries in the other.  -Jules and Anne Burgevin

Please consider donating in Patti's memory to the following: Ulysses Philomathic Library, PO Box 655, Trumansburg, NY 14886, Trumansburg Fire Department, 74 West Main Street, Trumansburg, New York 14886, Trumansburg Food Pantry, PO Box 162, Trumansburg, New York 14886, Tompkins Learning Partners, 124 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850, Attn: Martin Luther King Scholar Program, Add this program name in ‘support another designation’ box, or the Finger Lakes Land Trust 202 E. Court Street, Ithaca, New York 14850. 

Lastly, our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support and assistance provided to us by Greensprings Natural Cemetery (Noelia and volunteers), and Ness-Sibley Funeral Home (Alison).

Photo credit: David Burgevin