Helen May Burgess
High Point, NC – Helen May Bates Burgess, 70, a 19-year resident of High Point, NC formerly of Dover Plains, NY died Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point, NC. Mrs. Burgess was a Hospital Administrator at the Harlem Valley Animal Clinic in Dover Plains, NY which she owned with her husband for 35 years. They retired and moved to North Carolina to be with their son and grandchildren in 1994.
Born on September 21, 1942 in North Salem, NY, she was the daughter of the late Stuart W. and Belle E. (Cooke) Bates. On July 16, 1960 in North Salem NY, she married Dr. Robert L. Burgess who survives at their home in High Point, NC.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Burgess is survived by a son, Richard L. Burgess and his wife, Pam and two grandchildren, Morgan and Jefferson Burgess of Thomasville, NC; two sisters, Joan Heller of Bethel, CT and Dianna (Richard) Smith of Danbury, CT; sister-in-law, MaryAnn Bates of Brewster, NY. Helen is also survived by a special niece, Susan Steigleman and many nieces, nephews , great nieces and great nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by two sons, Timothy L. Burgess, infancy and Robert L. Burgess Jr. in 2002; two sisters, Elizabeth Johnston and Mary Jane Steigleman, and a brother, Stuart Bates, Jr.
Helen was an excellent cook and gardener. She and her husband also raised and showed a small herd of miniature horses all decending from one broodmare, Midnight Madness. Helen’s keen eye picked out this young foal that went on to become a world champion as did many of Maddy’s 12 foals and their offspring. Helen’s best satisfaction was knowing that a yearling colt won two Supremes (Best in Show) at its first 2 shows this spring and on May 1st their finest foal was born and she was able to enjoy it in her last days. This foal will be shown in Helen’s memory. Helen was loved and will be missed in the miniature horse world as well as by all that knew her.
A graveside service and burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21st at Valley View Cemetery, N. Nellie Hill Rd., Dover Plains, NY. Helen’s best friend, the Rev. Zora Ficarra-Cheetham will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, in High Point, NC or to your favorite charity . To send the family an online condolence or to light a memorial candle, please visit http://www.hufcutfuneralhome.com
.Published in the Poughkeepsie Journal from June 18 to June 20, 2013
HOW BOUT A GOOD SHOWING OF DOVER GUYS.—-Doc needs Us..Lisa (Al’s daughter) will be there ,and probably Patsy Judson and Fred Murphy’s wife.
babycakes.
dino