Mrs. Burdick ("Betty") was born on December 18, 1921 in Hornell, NY, to William B. and Louise M. (Roosa) Miller. Growing up in the Great Depression, she attended several local New York schools including Hallsport School, Stannards-Fulmer Valley School and Allentown School before graduating from Wellsville Central School in 1940. Thereafter she attended Crittenden School of Business in Olean NY. On April 13, 1946, she married Richard L. Burdick. He was a charter faculty member and Building Trades instructor at Alfred State College's Vocational School and predeceased her on January 6, 2003. After raising her family, Betty attended Alfred State College part-time, earning her Associate of Science in 1990.
Betty worked as a secretary for Alfred State College from 1945 until her retirement in 1992.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Carol D. (James) Dombeck of Webster, NY and Dr. Brenda J. (Grant H.Waldref) Burdick of Guffey, CO.; one son, John F. Burdick of Manvel, TX.; one sister, Velma Wesche-Guild of Wellsville, NY; one daughter-in-law, Denise L. Burdick of Friendswood, TX.; and one sister-in-law, Onalee Miller of Clarence, NY.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Pamela (Chris) Devries, Aaron (Rossana) Dombeck, Alex Burdick, Bethany Burdick, Jaymes Burdick, Crystalyn Burdick, Benjamin Burdick and Blake Burdick, two "adopted granddaughters," Meghan Snyder and Theresa Stearns, six great grandchildren, Jacob Devries, Nicholas Devries, Zachary Devries, Alanah Stearns, Lauryn Dombeck and Sarah Dombeck and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband of 57 years, she was predeceased by one brother, Myron A. Miller.
Betty enjoyed many passions. As a Christian, she loved to read The Bible, share her faith and walk with the Lord. She was very active in the Hornell-Wellsville Christian Women's Club and was elected the first Chairperson of the Hornell-Wellsville Christian Business and Professional Women’s Council in 1972. Until her recent relocation to Colorado she attended Alfred-Almond Bible Church for many years. Betty had a lifelong love for music, and played the harmonica, chromonica and cello. She was cellist for many local groups including The Wellsville Musical Club and The Wellsville Civic Symphony Orchestra. Betty was thrilled to attend Colorado Springs Philharmonic 90th Season Gala Concert with cellist Yo Yo Ma just a few weeks ago. Betty loved to correspond and encourage others by enclosing interesting newspaper articles in her thoughtful and sweet letters. She combined her love of nature, wildlife and exercise by enjoying daily walks. She enjoyed scenic drives and traveling with her family, taking vacations throughout much of the United States and Canada. Her family has many fond memories of these trips.
Additionally, Betty was an active member of the Catherine Schuyler Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and was instrumental in her daughters and two granddaughters also joining. DAR dovetailed nicely with Betty's passion for reading history and other non-fiction books.
Per Betty’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A memorial service will be held at The Alfred Church Center on Sunday May 7, 2017 at 2 pm. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover.
Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to Samaritan's Purse International Relief (PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000; samaritanspurse.org; 800-665-2843), or an "Operation Christmas Child Shoebox" may be prepared and donated in her honor this November.
