Elizabeth Burns

May 1, 1922 - August 14, 2019

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Burns
1922-2019

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Burns, 97, a lifelong resident of Freeland, passed away peacefully on August 14th in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.. Born in Sandy Run, she was the daughter of the late John “Jake” Matas and Veronica (Bierosh) Matas.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas B. Burns in 1987; daughter, Elizabeth Martyak in 1998; infant son, Timothy; and sisters, Mary Hludzik, Leona Stivers, and Magdelen Tabino.
Betty was a devoted wife, attentive mother, doting grandmother and great-grandmother, caring sister and aunt. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her vibrancy and tenderness, keen perception, understanding, and protective nature are all attributes that contributed to her endearing ways.
During her lifetime, she served as treasurer of the Deborah Heart and Lung Foundation, Hazleton chapter; member of the St. Ann’s Church Altar and Rosary Society, and Chicken Pluckers club.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen Wiest, Hazle Township; son Thomas Burns, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. with whom she resided for the past four years; sister, Joan Staruch, Hazleton, and son-in-law, Gabe Martyak, Colorado.
Also surviving are her cherished grandchildren who affectionately called her Be-Be: Gregg Martyak (Jackie), Megan Zwick (Josh), Scott Wiest, Carrie Merchant (Dan), Kieran Wiest, Jonathan Martyak (Jenna), and Timothy Wiest; great-grandchildren, Jayla, Ben, Ian, Cam, Nate, Kassidy and Neve; and several nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish at St. Ann’s Church, 898 Centre St. Freeland.
Interment will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Freeland.
Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to mass at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to SoFia (South Florida Institute on Aging) 2038 N. Dixie Highway #201, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.
Funeral arrangements are under the supervision of the McNulty Funeral Home 494 East Butler Drive, Freeland, PA 18224