Ruth E. Burris

Ruth Ellen Burris (nee McQuiston), 80, beloved wife for 55 years of James E. Burris, M.D., died peacefully in her sleep and surrounded by family on April 16 after a long and difficult illness. Formerly of White Plains, New York, she was, for the past ten years, a full-time resident and devoted community leader in her much beloved Town of Madison, Connecticut where she spent her happiest days with family and friends.

Ruth received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College and her Master’s Degree from Manhattanville College. She began her professional career as a teacher in the Newton, Massachusetts public school system. Later, after raising her children, she served as an addiction and alcoholism counselor for the State of New York and then went on to support her husband’s medical practice as his office manager.

She was best known, however, as a steadfast and spirited community leader. Initially supporting her children, she was actively involved in their school districts and served in such capacities as Girl Scout Leader and PTA President. Later, she dedicated herself to the White Plains Hospital Auxiliary in a variety of chairman and officer positions including the Presidency and, as such, held a seat on the Hospital’s Board of Directors. She served for four years as Representative of the Northern Metropolitan Region for the Healthcare Association of New York State Committee on Healthcare Auxiliaries and also gave of her time to the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester, where she was honored with the Community Service Award in 2001.

She continued her community work in Madison, serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Madison Ambulance Association; a member of the Board of Directors, Long Range Planning Committee, and the Millennium Fund for the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library; the Board of Directors and Building Committee for the Senior Citizens Commission; Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Madison; Board of Corporators and Development Committee for Middlesex Hospital; Treasurer of the Madison Winter Club; as well as Tennis Chair, Follies Chair and Follies Business Manager for the Madison Beach Club, where she was honored to hold the position of Governor for many years.

Along with her devoted husband, who was the love of her life, she is survived by six children, Karen Lennon (Michael), of White Plains, Susanne Burris of New York City, Laura Desmarais (John) of Mt. Kisco, NY, James Burris III (Erin) of Madison, Sara Libonati (Andrew) of Ridgefield, CT and Raymond Burris (Sonia) of New York City. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Lauren and Katie Lombardi, Jack and Julia Desmarais, James and Jennie Burris, Elisabeth and Andrew Libonati and Raymond Burris II, all of whom brought her tremendous joy. In addition, she is survived by her sister Joan Twiss (Robert) of Craftsbury Common, VT,

her brother-in-law John Jay Burris (Dorothy) of Jacksonville, FL, her sister-in-law Pauline Elkins of Wilmington, DE as well as her many adored nieces and nephews from the Burris, Elkins, and Mahon families. She was a treasured in-law and surrogate grandmother to numerous loved ones in the Lennon, Cavanna, Costabile, Blake, Libonati, and Massol families.

She was predeceased by two of her life-long friends Myra Mahon, of New York City and Madison, CT who died a few months earlier and Jean Till of Kansas City, KS.

An avid gardener, knitter, reader, bird watcher, beachcomber and shopper, she enjoyed all things beautiful, especially when it came to fashion and jewelry. Those who knew her best would describe her as a true force of nature - in complete command of the room, the situation, and her own destiny at all times.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25, 11:00 a.m., at The First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Lane, Madison, CT 06443 with a reception to follow.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Middlesex Hospital, c/o Office of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457, or to the Madison Ambulance Association, 35 Bradley Road, Madison, CT 06443.