Mary Burns

Mary S. Burns, 89, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully Friday morning, July 13, 2018 at her home. Born August 10, 1928 in Martinsburg, WV, she was a daughter of the late James E. Beard, Sr. and Mary Ellen VanMetre Beard. A homemaker most of her life, Mrs. Burns attended Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church in Chambersburg. She was a member of The Order of Amaranth, Martha Custis Chapter 342 Order of Eastern Star, AARP Chapter 2284, and the Silver Sneakers. She was a devoted wife to husband James for 57 years. Mrs. Burns enjoyed visits from her family and friends, attending yard sales, crafting, knitting, crocheting, and maintaining her home. She was a former member of the St. Thomas Sportsman’s Association and the Chambersburg Rod and Gun Club. Her husband, James Burns, Jr., whom she married August 23, 1947, preceded her in death on November 1, 2004.

She is survived by four children, Sharon Burns Shaffer and husband Charles of Stoystown, Edwin “Jay” Burns and wife Vera of Saltsburg, Kathie Burns Beabes and husband Daniel of Windber, and Mary “Tina” Burns Devroy and husband David of Central City; fifteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Suzanne Burns McCann, who died November 23, 1999; two brothers, James Beard, Jr. and William Beard; and a sister, Sara Miller.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Pastor Jim Bolich will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. There will be a viewing from 7:00-9:00 PM Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.