Leslie M. Dickin Burr

Leslie M. Dickin Burr, 89

Roxbury, CT - Leslie M. Dickin Burr, 89, of Roxbury, formerly of Brunswick, NY died Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the Candlewood Valley Health and Rehab Center in New Milford, CT after a long illness.

Born in Osage, Saskatchewan, Canada, she was the daughter of the late George Elwood Dickin and Mary Anne (Thompson) Morrison and wife of the late Dr. Arthur A. Burr, former Dean of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

She received a teaching certificate at the Regina Normal School in l937 when she began her teaching career. When her husband joined the faculty at RPI the family took up residency in Brunswick where she lived until 9 years ago moving to Connecticut to be near her daughter.

Very active in church affairs, Leslie served on both the Elders and Deacons Boards of the First United Presbyterian Church in Troy and its former 2^nd and 5^thAve. Churches. Along with 3 other church members, she founded the Neighborhood Nursery School at the church for disadvantaged pre-schoolers. Totally operated by volunteers this project was fashioned after Headstart-a government program originated at that time. Becoming its 2^nd Director, her teaching skills and commitment helped sustain the project for 32 years. She was the recipient of George Herbert Walker Bush's 'l000 Points of Light' award for her dedicated service. Other church activities included President of the Women's Association, and Doubles Club along with Dr. Burr.

Her community service included the Boards of the Salvation Army, Troy Corps, the Troy-Cohoes YWCA, the Literacy Volunteers and Church Women United. She was President of the RPI Faculty Women.

Survivors include one daughter Janet (Gary) Steinman of Roxbury, one son Leonard C. (Brenda) Burr of Troy, five grandchildren: Kristin and Erik Steinman, Casey, Kelly and Nevin Burr.

A Memorial Service will be held Wed. at 1 pm at the Bryce Funeral Home 276 Pawling Ave., Troy preceded by visitation at 12 noon.

Contributions may be made in memory of Leslie Burr to Make A Wish Foundation of N.E. NY 950 new Loudon Rd., Latham, NY l2ll0.

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