Mary R. (VanNest) Burr

LOWVILLE – Mary R. Burr, 91, formerly of Sharp Street, passed away on Thursday morning, January 4, 2024, at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility.

She is survived by three children and their spouses, Nancy and Michael Hanno of Glenfield; Gerald and Susan Burr of Glenfield; Debra and Gregory Schantz of Lowville; grandchildren, Matt, Nick, Sarah, Jerome, Jeff, Kyle, and Caitlin; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Shirley VanNest of Lyons Falls; several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert J. Burr, who passed away on July 13, 2019; a son, Robert J. Burr, who passed away on October 17, 1979; four brothers, Robert VanNest, William “Keith” VanNest, John VanNest, Waylon Lortie; and three sisters, Rachel Szucs, Joan Skiff, and Marcia Dufresne.

Mary was born on October 13, 1932 in the Town of Harrisburg, NY, a daughter of the late Ferguson and Anna McDonald VanNest.  She attended country school on Tug Hill and graduated from General Martin High School.  Mary worked at Beaverite in Glenfield prior to her marriage.  On April 11, 1953, she married Robert J. Burr at the Lowville United Methodist Church parsonage.  Mary raised her family, and took care of children in her home from 1972 – 1989.  She drove school bus for Lowville Academy from 1989 until her retirement.

Mary was a communicant of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lowville.  She loved her poodles over the years.  Mary enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Lowville Rural Cemetery. There will be no calling hours or funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367.   Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com .

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