Suzanne (Sue) Fenton Burns Freeland of Arcadia, FL passed away on Thursday, January 16 at the age of 93. She was born August 26, 1931 in Jamestown, N.Y. to the late Harry Porter Fenton and Marion Chilson Fenton. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Dallas V Burns in 1999.
She was a devoted mother to her three children; Rebecca (Stephen) Mruczek of North Venice, Brian (Mary Kay) Burns of Arcadia and Steven (Leslie Mirabito) Burns of Sarasota. Proud Grandmother to Heather (Phillip) Nedley of Arcadia, Scott Mruczek, Jason (Emily) Mruczek, Nick (Ashley) Burns of Sarasota and Craig (Alyse) Burns of Casper, WY. She was blessed to have 12 great grandchildren; Porter and Abel Nedley, Brooklynn and Aubrey Mruczek; Dallas, Reagan, Merritt, Delaney, Bennett Burns and Ellie, Riley and Carter Burns.
Sue was high-energy, had a contagious smile, lived life with a generous heart and was committed to her family and community. In her younger years, Sue loved to sew and was known to make great clothes for her daughter and sons. Sue was a member of Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524, serving as Chaplin for multiple years. She was always willing to help with events and lend a hand. Sue was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #11 where she was active in their Memorial Day ceremony.
She lived with her family in Stow, NY on Chautauqua Lake until her junior year in high school. Her family then moved to Pavilion, NY where she graduated from Pavilion Central School in 1949.
She received her License of Nursing at Catharine McCauley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia, NY then worked for many years at Dr Strollo’s pediatric office. In 1976, Sue and Dal moved to Arcadia, FL where her father, Harry Fenton, had grown up and graduated from DeSoto High School. Sue worked as an LPN at G. Pierce Wood Hospital for several months and then at the former Bon Secours St Joseph Hospital in Port Charlotte. She received her RN from Edison Community College in Ft Myers.
Sue went on to study Oncology becoming the first nurse in Charlotte County to be certified in Oncology Nursing. She assisted Dr Pizzaro’s start of the Fred Ferris Oncology Unit, later becoming the Nurse Manager until its closing.
In 2001, Sue married Richard (Dick) Freeland. They spent winters in her home in Arcadia and summers at their home at Pine Hill Park in Franklin, NC where they had many friends. Dick preceded her in death in 2007.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to the Harry Anna Trust Fund thru Arcadia Elks lodge or Alzheimer’s/Dementia Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 27 at 1:00pm at the Arcadia Elks Lodge.
Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaydgrady.com
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.
