Mary Goff Burns, born in La Porte, Indiana, September 18, 1909, was a descendant of two local pioneer families. The daughter of Clifford L. Goff and Nettie Travis, Mrs. Burns passed away October 22, 2012. She was one hundred and three years of age.
A graduate of La Porte High School in 1927, she graduated from Indiana University School of Commerce and Finance in 1931. (Later named School of Business.) Marrying a fellow I.U. student, Virgil V. Burns, of Macy, IN, in 1932, the couple resided in Bloomington while Burns completed his law degree.
Moving to Louisville, Kentucky in 1933, they remained for 17 years, both pursuing careers. Mrs. Burns was the executive secretary to the Director of Devoe and Reynolds; Mr. Burns was an executive in retailing.
A business transfer to Cleveland, Ohio in 1951 kept the couple active; Mrs. Burns as a substitute high school business teacher (married women were not permitted to teach full time); Mr. Burns as a Sears, Roebuck & Co. manager.
The Burnses retired in 1967, left Ohio, and returned to a familiar homestead in La Porte, the house on Michigan Avenue which had been built in 1928 by Mrs. Burns’ father. Goff had been a prominent house builder in La Porte and was foreman of the carpenters who worked on the Rumely Hotel in 1912. That move to La Porte was a homecoming as 35 years prior, on New Year’s Day, 1932, the Burnses were married in a small family ceremony in the living room of the house they had now come to occupy.
Mrs. Burns became reacquainted in her home town after that lengthy absence. She joined numerous organizations including the Elizabeth Miriam Clyborn chapter of the Questers, the Tuesday Book Review group, La Porte County Historical Society, the American Association of University Women, and the Women’s Literary. Bridge games with several groups in La Porte were a favorite pastime.
She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, Martha Circle. Mrs. Burns and her husband were active participants in the People to People International organization and enjoyed several trips abroad with that group. They also visited many states and countries with their family.
The La Porte County Historical Museum was an integral part of the Burnses retirement years. Mr. Burns established new displays at the downtown location and was an honorary Board and Life member and past President of the Historical Society. Mrs. Burns served as Secretary to the Board and most enjoyed escorting visitors, especially children, on tours around the museum displays. She was an honorary Life member of the Historical Society.
Following her husband’s death in 1985, Mrs. Burns joined La Porte friends and traveled on several Elderhostels including a Panama Canal cruise and Mark Twain adventure on the Mississippi River. She continued her interest in playing the organ and improving her technique. Throughout her life, she was also an accomplished seamstress and tailor and especially enjoyed the creativity of those crafts.
Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, were her brother, Lee Travis Goff, and her son-in-law, Eugene “Corkey” Miller. Survivors include her daughter, Jean Burns Miller, Carmel, IN; three grandchildren, Douglas E. Miller and wife, Rebecca, Carmel, IN; Barbara Miller Nestor and husband, Steven, Westfield, IN, and David W. Miller, Indianapolis, IN. She treasured her eight great grandchildren; Matthew Miller and wife, Kelsey, Fishers, IN; Kristin Miller, Los Angeles, CA; Nathan Miller, Indianapolis, IN, and Melissa Miller, Carmel, IN; Ryan Nestor, San Diego, CA; Rachael Nestor Halvorson and husband, Eric II, Fishers, IN, and Jacob and Lauren Miller, Indianapolis, IN. Great great grandson, William Holden Miller, Fishers, IN, young son of the Matthew Millers also survives. Left to cherish her memory are several loving nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Burns enjoyed a dedicated “Care Crew” who were with her during her last few years in her home. The women of the “Care Crew” provided loving around-the-clock comfort, care and companionship to her.
The family is especially grateful to those friends and neighbors who have been supportive, kind, and helpful to her as she was left alone for twenty-seven years without her husband. Especially thanked are the personnel of the I.U. Health La Porte VNA Services Hospice for their compassionate care.
Mrs. Burns was laid to rest next to her husband and in the presence of her family at a private graveside service, Pine Lake Cemetery. If memorial gifts are desired, they may be made to the donor’s choice.