Marjorie A. Burns

Beloved wife of the late Thomas D. Burns, sister of Joan A. White, Marjorie Andrew Burns (Margie) of Boston and Duxbury, MA. died peacefully at her home on Union Wharf July 21. As a devoted wife for more than 34 years, Margie cared deeply for her step children, Wendy Burns Conquest, Lansing Burns, Poppy Burns, and Dede Burns Longley, who recently predeceased her. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Andrew White, loving nieces Elizabeth White Drbal, Marjorie White Shaffer, and nephew Henry M. White, III, and numerous step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and grand nephews and a grandniece.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Margie grew up in Essex Fells, New Jersey with her sister and her late mother and father, Elizabeth (Betsy) and James Andrew. She attended Essex Fells Elementary School, George Innes Jr. High School and graduated from the Kimberly School in 1949. She graduated with a B.A. in Economics in 1953 from Smith College and spent her junior year abroad in Geneva Switzerland. Pursuing her love and curiosity for foreign places, Margie worked for KLM Airlines for many years and sustained her passion for foreign travel working as a travel agent.

In 1970, she married Alexander Brown and maintained residences in Duxbury, MA and Warren, VT to enjoy their love for sailing and skiing. After the marriage ended in divorce, Margie moved back to Boston where she met her second husband and life partner, Tom Burns. Margie and Tom led a most active life together complimenting their shared interests in travel, skiing, golf, and frequent outings with family and friends. Her interest in wildlife and particularly marine life led her to the Boston Aquarium where she served as a popular docent during the ‘90’s and part of 2000’s.

Margie was an avid cross word puzzler and she and Tom competed daily to finish the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. She was also a dedicated bridge player and pursued this activity through her long-time membership in the Chilton Club. She was also a member of the Duxbury Yacht Club. Margie maintained a wide circle of friends, and her deep friendships were sustained throughout each of her different life phases as exhibited in her deep loyalty, graciousness and unfathomable warmth. Margie will be missed by many as she brought so much happiness and kindness to all who orbited her precious sphere.

In lieu of flowers, contributions on Margie’s behalf can be made to Plan International USA; Smith College and the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Margie’s life will be held in Boston in the early fall.