Charlee Wilhelmina Taylor Burns, of Fairfield, Connecticut and Jupiter, Florida passed away the morning of Saturday, August 26th surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Edmund, daughter Deborah, sons Edmund Jr. and Christopher, daughter-in-law Misti, grand-daughters Christina, Annabel and Elizabeth, grand-sons Matthew and Jack, brother Thomas and sister Nancy.
Charlee Burns was born on December 1st, 1936 in Helena, Montana and was a descendant of homesteaders from Scotland and Sweden. Her mother’s family was the sturdy, courageous and brave seekers who crossed the country in covered wagons to find a new horizon in the territory of Montana. Her father’s ancestors were comprised of hearty farmers, industrialists and politicians. Charlee’s heritage was filled with seekers, builders, artists, creators, teachers, explorers, musicians and poets. Charlee inherited many of these traits and more. She was self-possessed, unpretentious, industrious, inventive, independent, creative, artistic, fiercely intelligent, so graceful, kind and decent to the bone. Ultimately, the quality that was of greatest of importance in her life was being a great wife, mother and grandmother – and boy, did she shine.
In 1958, as a student at Montana State University, Charlee met a vibrant and handsome man named Edmund Burns. He was from New York and was sent to Montana State University on a football scholarship, after being recruited during his time served in the Navy. Their romance was vivid and immediate and they married within the year. Soon afterwards, they had a daughter, Deborah and a son, Edmund, Jr. Subsequently, they moved to New York after Charlee’s husband was offered a position at IBM. They settled in Yorktown Heights, NY and had another son, Christopher.
All of Charlee’s inherited traits translated well as a mother. She was an incredible cook, decorator, seamstress, making most of her own clothing and her daughter’s for years. She gardened, mowed the lawn, painted, and refinished furniture. If Charlee needed or wanted something, she created it. Charlee devoted all of herself to her children. She was in the front row of every school recital, game and performance. When the children were old enough, Charlee became a high school English teacher at Yorktown High School, where she was swiftly adored by all of her students. When Charlee and Edmund became empty nesters, Charlee decided to pursue a career at IBM. In a very short period of time, Charlee ascended to management and directorial positions. Charlee was a natural leader in everything she put her mind to. Any organization she was a part of, she became their President. Starting at her Chi Omega Sorority at Montana State University and segueing into the President of the PTA, The Women’s Club and Sweet Adelines International.
In addition to being a devoted mother to her children, Charlee was deeply committed to her life partner and husband Edmund. They were inseparable, they were a team. After raising their family, they traveled the world, lived part time in Florida and were devoted and proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Once again, as a grandmother, Charlee showed the same love and dedication to her grandchildren as she did for her own children. They brought her much pride and happiness. Charlee and Edmund would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on September 6th. Theirs was a true love story.
Charlee was a remarkable, singular and beautiful woman. She will be profoundly missed by anyone who was blessed to know her and she will be loved forever.
Charlee's wake will be held Friday, September 1st from 4 to 8 pm: Leo P. Gallagher and Son's Funeral Home 31 Arch Street Greenwich, CT 06830
Charlee's funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 2nd from 11 am: Christ Church 254 E Putnam Ave Greenwich, CT 06830
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlee's memory to Make-A-Wish Foundation, the philanthropic charity of Chi Omega Sorority, which she was a member and President during her college years at Montana State University.
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