Nancy Bradlee Burns

Nancy Bradlee (Luh) Burns of Bennington, NY, passed away June 30, 2021, in the peaceful surroundings of her home with her daughter and grandchildren beside her. Nancy was born September 25, 1934, in Niagara Falls, NY to the late Howard C. Luh and Helen (Bradlee) Luh. She was educated in the City of Tonawanda where she met and married Robert J. Burns Sr.. They were married 67 years when Bob passed in 2018.

Nancy was immensely proud of her long and notable American heritage dating back to 1620. Two of her great aunts unfortunately were convicted of witchcraft and put to death as a result of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. She is descended from a former mayor of NY City, prominent members of the clergy and a pioneering Western NY engineer. Her favorite ancestor however, was her 4th Great-Grandfather, Nathaniel Bradlee, who was one of the “Indians” of the famed Boston Tea Party. He along with his fellow “Indians” dressed for the Tea Party at his house and hid in beds there afterwards. When the British came looking for them, his sister, Sarah Bradlee, convinced the British Officers that they had been in their beds all night. Sarah, a great patriot in her own right, carried secret messages throughout the Revolution and General George Washington himself visited their home after the war to thank her personally. Nancy was an organizing member of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution based in Batavia, NY. She served many years as the Chapter Chaplain.

A humble Christian woman, she had great faith in her Lord. She possessed many Bibles, all of which she had read numerous times, and all were highlighted with her favorite passages. She was hilariously funny without ever trying to be. Nancy was always surrounded by her extended family of dogs, cats and birds. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and was an avid reader of mystery novels.

Nancy will be remembered as a loving, giving and selfless person who would help her family in any way possible, always placing their needs before her own. She taught her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the true meaning of unconditional love.

Her family extends special thanks to Pastor Rosann Lowder of Bennington’s Salem UCC Church for bringing communion, prayers, blessings and conversation every Sunday during Nancy’s declining health.

Besides her parents and husband, Nancy is predeceased by a son, Timothy Burns, her sister June Lizzio, and her brother Richard Luh and his wife Mary.

She is survived by her children, Linda Burns, Robert J. Burns Jr., Dawn (David) Berg, Bradlee (Laurie) Burns, Nanette (Thomas) Beechler, Michael (Angela) Burns; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Services will be held privately with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Church of Christ, 1327 Clinton St. Attica, NY 14011. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.