Lila A. Burkhard

Lila A. Burkhard, 57, of Yorkville, departed this world unexpectedly on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Wynn Hospital.

Lila was born on March 15, 1967, in New Hartford, the daughter of the late Heinz and Lillian Ruszkowski Burkhard.  Raised alongside her sisters, Debbie and Mary, she always brought us laughter, love and a beautiful smile. 

Lila was a very diligent student in her academics, having attended Sacred Heart Elementary, followed by Notre Dame High School Class of 1985.  She furthered her education by attending MVCC, earning her associate degree in business administration. 

Lila worked for McDonald’s and Rite Aid while she earned her degree.  She went on to utilize her education by obtaining a career as a Regional Pharmaceutical Billing Manager for NCS Healthcare. 

Lila’s life was anchored in her family.  She shared a deep abiding love as a daughter, sister and aunt.  She loved unconditionally and relished her role as an aunt to Mary’s son Zachary, showering him with love and attention.  Lila’s greatest happiness and joy was her nephew, Zachary.  She loved him as if he was her very own.  They shared an unbreakable bond, woven with love, laughter, joy and fun.  She loved like an aunt with all the extra “spoiling”.  Zachary to her was the perfect blend of mischief and love.  She was his safe haven who would always keep his secrets and always be by his side.  Their love for one another knew no boundaries. 

Lila had a passion for arts and crafts, making jewelry, wreaths and many décor items.  She freely gave them away from the heart.  Lila when able, participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, in memory of her sister Debbie. 

She was an amazing sister and friend.  “We had our ups and downs like most siblings do.  We didn’t always see eye to eye, but her unwavering and unconditional love was always there.  I am deeply going to miss her laughter, sarcastic sense of humor, our arguments, disagreements and our ability to make up so easily.  She always had my back.  The reality is I will grieve forever, as I do for my parents and sister Debbie, who we lost way to soon.  You don’t get over a loss of a loved one, you learn to live with it.   I will heal and rebuild myself.  Rest peacefully Lila.  Your years of pain and suffering are over.  Wrap yourself in God’s loving arms and rejoin our family in heaven.  I will miss and love you eternally”, Mary. 

Lila’s legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know her.  Her kindness, integrity and devotion to her family and friends will be forever cherished. 

Lila is survived by her loving sister, Mary Belfiore of Whitesboro and her fiancé, Michael Armstrong; her cherished nephew, Zachary Laning of Greer, SC; her brother-in-law, Bill Ball of Yorkville; her nephews, Christopher and Joshua Belfiore; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Debra Ball. 

The family would like to thank some very special neighbors and friends, Courtney and Michael Daviau and their children, Hunter and Nora, who were always there in her time of need.  Lila had a very special and enduring bond with her mom’s best friends, Marianne and Stas Borzendowski for their support, compassion and unending love and help shown to her that will never be forgotten. 

“Rest in peace dear Lila, your spirit will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing you.  Your light will shine on in the lives of those you touched with your warmth, kindness and love.  Forever and always in my heart”, Mary.

Services will be Wednesday, May 1 at 11:30 am with Rev. Thomas Servatius officiating at the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford.  Calling hour will be Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 am, prior to the service.  Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider the American Cancer Society in her memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lila A. Burkhard, please visit our floral store.