Louise M. Burns passed away on March 1st at her home on Wellesley Island, under the care of her family and Hospice of Jefferson County. Louise was born at home in Clayton on September 5, 1930, the daughter of Grace A. (Matthews) and Melvin R. Calhoun. She graduated from LaFargeville Central School in 1948. She married H. Lewis Burns, son of John N. and Camilla (Houghton) Burns on September 20, 1951 in Mexico NY, officiated by Reverend Elwyn Williams.
She is survived by four children and their spouses. Stephen and Sue-Ryn, Mark and Wanda Lou, both of Wellesley Island, Christine and Roland Holloway of Clayton, and Janice and Thomas Moore, Jr. of Gloversville NY. She also leaves behind her beloved cat KC. She is also survived by God Children Timothy Thompson of Mallorytown, Ontario and Jamie Lynn Hackey of Jacksonville, Florida. Louise also leaves behind her grandchildren Mark A. and Juwon Burns, Matthew Holloway, Alexis and Nicholas (Holloway) Crowe, Lillian Gray, Justin Moore, and Megan Moore, and one great grandson, Ezekiel Burns. She is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.
Louise was very active in her community and had been a member of the Wellesley Island Methodist Church, Wellesley Island Fire Department Auxiliary and the Fire Department, where she was the first woman from Wellesley Island to complete the fire essentials course. She sat on the board of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County and was active with the Wellesley Island Riverside Cemetery Association, holding the position of Sexton for over 20 years. She was also a member of the Alexandria Bay Senior Citizens and had been a past Den Mother for Scouts of America. She had been employed by the United States Postal Service and retired in 1992.
When she and her husband Lewis were alive, their home as well as their camp on Eel Bay had seen many gatherings for friends and family. She was a second Mom to many kids who grew up on Wellesley Island and was always ready to feed whomever was around. She enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, fishing, building fires and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida. In the late 1960’s she and Lewis built Jolly Oaks Campground on Wellesley Island, turning old family farmland into a thriving business that was enjoyed by many from all over the world.
Louise is predeceased by her husband, parents, in-laws and brothers, as well as many friends and other relatives. Calling hours will be held at T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton on Saturday March 11th from noon to 2:00 pm with a brief memorial service immediately following. There will also be a memorial service held at Wellesley Island United Methodist Church at a later time. She and her husband will be interred in Riverside Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, the Wellesley Island Fire Department or a charity of ones choice.
