Burns, Mary Jo
GUILDERLAND — Mary Johanna “Mary Jo” Burns, 81, of Guilderland, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 22, 2023, at her home. Born in Little Falls to Thomas and Louise Burns, she was raised on the family’s farm, a place that remained special to her throughout her life. Mary Jo attended St. Mary’s Academy in Little Falls and graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse. She worked as a bedside nurse for several years in Little Falls before moving to Albany, where she went on to earn her bachelor of science in Nursing at Russell Sage College and worked at St. Peter’s Hospital in nurse staff development. In the mid-70s, she became a pharmaceutical sales representative for Upjohn and later, Parke-Davis. She enjoyed traveling around the Capital District, visiting physician practices and keeping up with the medical community.
After she retired, she worked briefly for the American Red Cross before returning to nursing parttime at various organizations, including the VA Medical Clinic in Troy and Kingsway Communities in Schenectady.
Mary Jo loved to travel and did so often with her siblings and their families. Cape Cod, Florida, Ireland, Italy, and Spain were just a few of the places she visited. She enjoyed the Saratoga racecourse and the racino and frequented both with friends. Though much of her adult life was spent in Albany, she returned to Little Falls often, spending weekends on the farm with her mother, aunts and other family members. When she was at the farm, there was always a home-cooked meal and a fresh loaf of Vienna bread from the White Rose Bakery. She could convince anyone to try – and enjoy – an onion sandwich.
Her nieces and nephews knew her as the “cool aunt” who moved to the “city,” bought her own house, and always drove a nice car. Each has a memory of her that involves her MG Midget, Ford Thunderbird or Cadillac El Dorado. She had great taste in music, lots of style and strong opinions.
A caregiver at heart, Mary Jo was always willing to help a friend, family member or animal in need. She dedicated the final two years of her life to a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, ensuring that they were safe and well cared for. Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents; her older brother, John; sister-in-law, Ann Burns; and brother-inlaw, James O’Connell. She is survived by her siblings, Thomas (Janet) of Little Falls, David (Marcia) of Chatham, Mass., and Kathleen O’Connell of Albany. Her extended family includes four nephews, eight nieces, seven grandnephews, 11 grandnieces, four great-grandnephews and many caring friends and neighbors.
Burial will be private at the family plot in Herkimer, and a memorial service held at a later date. Contributions in her memory can be made to Hope for Orphaned Pets Exists, Wilton Mall at Saratoga, 3065 Route 50, D-1, Box 68, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.