Lillian M. (Ruszkowski) Burkhard

Lillian M. Burkhard, 83, of Yorkville, passed away on March 4, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

Lillian was born on March 5, 1939 in Brooklyn, the daughter of Florence Keene and Raymond Ruszkowski.   She had many siblings and lived in Cobleskill until she moved to Yorkville.  Lillian was a graduate of Cobleskill High School.

On November 16, 1963, Lillian was united in marriage with Heinz Burkhard and they shared a beautiful union of 52 years until Heinz's passing on December 10, 2015.  They had three daughters together.

Lillian worked at Woolworths in downtown Utica in the 1960's, where she and her love of 52 years met.    They were also on a bowling league together soon after they met.  She also enjoyed working for her friend Irene at a local laundromat, and then spent several years as a cook at the House of the Good Shepherd until her retirement.   Lillian participated several years in the annual American Cancer Relay for Life. 

Anyone who ever knew her knew that she never met a stranger.   She would often say that she couldn't help it if she was friendly and people just naturally liked her!

Lillian especially took great joy in being a grandmother.   Nothing gave her more joy and pride and she loved with all of her heart.

Lillian is survived by her daughters, Lila Burkhard of Yorkville and Mary Belfiore of Whitesboro; her grandson, Zachary Laning of South Carolina; her brother, Charles (Linda) Ruszkowski of Ft. Plain; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, especially her niece, Dorothy Cunningham with whom she had a very special bond.  She is also survived by her son-in-law, William Ball of Yorkville; Christopher and Joshua Belfiore; her dearest friends, Stas and Marianne Borzendowski of Rome; Michael and Courtney Daviau, and grandchildren in her heart, Hunter and Nora Daviau of Yorkville; and Christine Carbone (special daughter) of Utica.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Raymond; brothers, Raymond, Henry, Bobby and William; sister, Muriel; her beloved husband, Heinz Burkhard; and her eldest daughter, Debra Ball. 

Visitation will be held at the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 5-7 pm.  Her funeral will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10 am.  Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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