Ella Mae Burns

Wilton, NY - Ella Mae Burns, 66, passed away peacefully at Wesley Health Care Center on March 11, 2026. She was born on July 25, 1959 in Saratoga Springs, New York, she was the daughter of the late Maynard and Ella M. (Hammond) Clothier.

Ella Mae grew up in the little hamlet of Ketchum Corners in the town of Stillwater, New York, where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood. She graduated from Stillwater High School, Class of 1978, and continued her education at SUNY Adirondack, taking classes whenever she could.

Ella Mae worked at Skidmore College for 36 years, retiring in January 2020 due to health problems. She made many lifelong friends while working there and that is where she met her future husband, Brian. They were married in June 1996 and spent 29½ wonderful years together. He was her rock, as she was his.

Ella Mae was especially proud of the woman her goddaughter and niece Tess has grown into and the accomplishments she has completed in her life. She viewed Tess as the daughter she never had.

She is survived by her husband, Brian K. Burns; her sister and brother‑in‑law, Sheila and Rudy Silic; niece, Theresa Silic; her special cousin, Jackie Bryan; as well as many cousins from the Clothier and Hammond families.

As per Ella Mae’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A graveside burial will take place in the spring at the convenience of the family.

Brian would especially like to thank the nurses and aides of 2 and 3 Hathorn at Wesley for the care, comfort, and compassion that Ella Mae received there and to thank Community Hospice for the compassionate care they provided Ella Mae during her final months.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com