Donna Jean Burman

Born Aug. 17, 1943 in Butler Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Helen S. Sutton and Albert B. Hilliard.

She is survived by her two children Kim (longtime partner-Susan) and Dale (wife-Geniene), a grandson, Quinn, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Victor and her older brother Thomas (wife-Linda).

In her youth, Donna was a member of the Masonic International Order of the Rainbow Girls then later joined the Order of the Eastern Star. As a student at Pennsbury High School, she participated in Pep Club and the bowling team. While studying Physical Education at Lock Haven State College in Pennsylvania, she joined the swim team and became a lifeguard. During this time she met and married her husband, Victor. Soon after, they returned to his hometown, Saranac Lake, where they spent 59 years together and raised their family in the home they designed and built themselves (with some help from family and friends).

Along with raising her children, Donna shared her talents through various roles in the businesses where she worked. Whether it was in accounting at North Country Community College and Scott’s Florist or while watching over the students as a bus and playground monitor, she always gave the very best of herself. After more than a decade of helping shape the youth of her community, she retired from her role as monitor with the Saranac Lake Central School District.

Donna had many interests that kept her busy. Growing up she enjoyed horseback riding, sewing and then eventually developed a lifelong love of needlework and crafting. Her attention to detail and exacting standards were evident as she would change or rearrange a pattern until it met her satisfaction. When there was an important event in your life, you were likely gifted one of her impeccable needlework scenes or a lovely sewn handiwork. Donna also enjoyed listening to music (singing along with every word), old tv shows, movies and, along with Victor, a love for solving puzzles, designing, creating and building with her hands. Despite having a slight build, Donna helped her husband to construct their home.

Above all else, Donna cherished her family and friends and would include them whenever her love of adventure would strike. You would often find her having breakfast, chatting, shopping or taking road trips with them. Frequently, her adventures were closer to home, escaping into the fantasy of a good book or simply enjoying the scenery. Every activity with Victor and her children was a treasure, and the list is long. They explored from New York to Florida in their camper, cooked together, skated, played board games and had many movie nights. In retirement, she and Victor traveled the world, crossing the globe from the Arctic to the tropics.

Donna was always there to lend a helping hand, even if you didn’t know you needed it. Somehow though, she knew. Her good humor, willingness to pitch in wherever help was needed, dogged determination to get a job done and immense love for her family will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake on Tuesday, March 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. A brief prayer service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Martin Cline officiating. Burial will take place in Union Cemetery in Vermontville at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Donna may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society or the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.