Obituary of Phila J. Burns

Phila J. Burns, 88, formerly of Florence-Osceola Rd., Osceola, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 12, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Pulaski surrounded by her loving family under the care of Oswego County Hospice. She was born on April 18, 1933, in Florence, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Britton Meagher. Phila was a graduate of Camden High School, Class of 1950. On October 6, 1951, Phila was united in marriage to Walter Burns. Walt passed away on March 10, 1991. Phila was the Town of Osceola Tax Collector for over twenty years. She was also a respooler for Camden Wire Co. for over twenty years. She was a former member of St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel in Florence. She enjoyed knitting and gardening and having dogs and cats around. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are her children, Robert (Gail) Burns, of Unity, WI, Thomas (Carol) Burns, of Lee, Andrew (Colleen) Burns, of Osceola, Pauline (Richard) Herold, of Marrietta, James (Wanda) Burns, of Osceola, Anne Marie (Gene) Sochia, of Osceola, Walter “Ed” (Valerie) Burns, of Minocqua, WI, and Katherine (Ronald) Novak, of Pulaski; two sisters, Marie Wirth, of Southwick, MA, and Margaret Owens, of Rome; two brothers, Joseph (Suzie) Meagher, and James (Bev) Meagher, both of Florence; nineteen grandchildren, Justin (Mindy) Burns, Christopher (Erika) Burns, Jeremy Burns, Heidi Burns, Maria Herold, Andrew Herold, Rebekah Herold, Colin Herold, Miles Burns, Matthew Burns, Emily Sochia, Charlotte Sochia, Jillian Sochia, Karina Burns, Rachel Burns, Jacqueline Novak, Randall Novak, Walter Novak, and Daniel Novak; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Phila was predeceased by two sisters, Pauline (Bernard) Mitchell, and Nancy (Morgan) Comins; a brother, Frank Meagher; a granddaughter, Kristi Burns; and two brothers-in-law, Charlie Wirth and Ron Owens. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel Church in Florence where the Rev. John F. Hogan, Jr. will officiate. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Florence. Family and friends are invited and may call on Friday prior to Mass from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 9464 St. Rt. 13, Camden. You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.