Ann "Sissy" Louise Foster (Burns)'s Obituary
On January 26, 2023, Ann “Sissy” Louise Foster (Burns) of Syracuse, NY, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 69. She was a devoted spouse, mother, sister, aunt, and the world’s best grandma. Ann was born on December 11, 1953, and grew up in the Northside neighborhood of Syracuse. She attended and graduated from the Assumption Catholic Academy. After highschool she began attending Maria Regina College and went on to study history at Le Moyne College. Ann later pursued a degree in nursing from the St Joseph College of Nursing. She went on to a career as an LPN at St Joseph's Hospital, where she worked for the next 36 years. She loved her work and acquired many lifelong friends during her time there. Ann had a natural gift for connecting with people, and a clever sense of humor that was both endearing and unforgettable. She found great joy in being a part of many family "firsts" as a postpartum nurse and educator. She delighted in being recognized by former patients she had cared for as she went about her days. It was a joyful experience she carried with her long after retiring from nursing.
Ann loved to travel. Her favorite destination was the Adirondack mountains. She enjoyed many vacations there over the years and instilled a love of the Adirondacks in the next generation of her family. Ann had a range of interests- she was a loyal SU and Yankees fan; she loved visiting the casinos (she knew which were the good games) and enjoyed spending time with her friends. She was always ready with a camera, having a natural skill for composition and timing. She understood the importance of capturing those moments and the value of being able to look back on them. Her role of ‘Gramma’ was her favorite and most treasured. She loved to talk with and to visit her grandchildren at every available opportunity and her love for them was immeasurable.
To know her was a great blessing. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 41 years James Foster, her children Maureen (Martin Kostadinov), James (Courtney), and Marty Foster, her granddaughters Norah Mae, Charlotte Ann, Eva Martineva, her sisters Mary (Collier Smith) Burns, Sue Sheley, Katheyrn "Babe" McBride, sisters, and brothers in law (Burns, Foster, Maywalt) many nieces and nephews and her dear friends. Ann has joined in rest her parents Anna Mae and Edward “Gus” Burns, her brothers Nicholas, Edward, and Daniel Burns, her sister-in-law/'partner in crime’ Annie Burns, brother-in-law Joseph Sheley, and niece Jennifer.
The family would like to extend they’re thanks to all of Ann’s family and friends who have helped them through this difficult time. We would also like to acknowledge and express a special thank you to Kathy Pollastro for your kindness and outreach to Ann during her final days.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, February 5, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY 13212. A funeral Mass in celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM in Assumption Church 812 N. Salina St. Syracuse.
What’s your fondest memory of Ann?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ann?
Share a story where Ann's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ann you’ll never forget.
How did Ann make you smile?