February 12, 1927 - May 26, 2025
Patricia Burtless, a devoted mother, cherished friend, compassionate nurse, and resilient soul, passed away peacefully in Auburn, N.Y., on May 26, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born on February 12, 1927, in Syracuse, N.Y., she was the daughter to the late James W. and Frances C. (Kelly) MacCone. Patricia lived a life defined by love, faith, strength, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to her family. She grew up in a time before television, when long-distance calls were a novelty, and horses still shared the roads with cars. Patricia's life bridged generations of progress. Through it all, she remained a steady, loving presence rooted in values that never went out of style: kindness, resilience, faith, and devotion to family. She graduated from Holy Family High School in 1945.
At just 19 years old, on November 25, 1946, Patricia married the love of her life, Charles B. Burtless. He brought his young bride home to the family farm, Fair View Farms, a place that soon overflowed with warmth, laughter, and the joyful energy of their seven children: Michael (Mary) Burtless, Christine (Rick) Ockenfels, Gary (Elise Bruml) Burtless, Cathleen (Lloyd) OHara, Ronald Burtless, David (Susan) Burtless and Caroline Burtless, and longtime friend and daughter, Sharon Clink. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Christopher Burtless, Caryn Burtless, Jennifer Ockenfels, Patrick (Kim) Ockenfels, Ann Marie Ockenfels, Andrew (Yuko) Burtless, Matthew Burtless, Christian (Erica) OHara, Michelle (Nick Berardi) OHara, Ryan OHara, Mary Jean (Andrew) Whalen, Patty Burtless. She is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
After a tragic accident in 1966, Patricia's beloved husband, Charles, passed away, leaving her to navigate life's challenges while raising their seven children. With strength and determination, she returned to school and earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), dedicating herself to supporting her family through hard work, compassion, and perseverance. She worked as an LPN at Seneca Falls Hospital for 19 years and continued nursing at Auburn Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 1992. Throughout her 24 years of nursing, her selflessness and resilience left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Patricia's smile could warm the coldest room and brighten even the darkest days.
She found joy in rescuing kittens from the perils of nature. She especially loved having Siamese cats. She enjoyed crafting, and scrapbooking, creating a personalized scrapbook for each of her seven children, creating a lasting gift of love and memories. She also loved gardening, canning and baking. She was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up on current events and politics. She enjoyed traveling, especially her trip to Europe to visit her daughter, Caroline, who was in the army and stationed in Germany. Sharon Clink accompanied her and they traveled through Europe with Caroline. She also enjoyed volunteering for St. Alphonsus Church, AARP, Meals on Wheels and Auburn Hospital.
Patricia will be remembered for her deep love of family, her gentle presence, and the quiet strength with which she faced every challenge in life. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in all the lives she touched over her 98 remarkable years.
Family will greet friends Saturday, May 31, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:15 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the local Finger Lakes SPCA, The American Cancer Society or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit to leave a condolence.
