Mrs. Edna M. Burda

July 3, 1938 - January 3, 2015

Mrs. Edna M. Burda, 76, passed away Saturday January 3, 2015 at 546 Havenbrook Way, Concord, N. Carolina at her daughter's home where she had lived for 5 years while battling her illness. Edna had fought a long brave battle with Alzheimer's. Born July 3,1938 in Rodman, N.Y., Edna was the daughter of Glenn Smith and Arloine (Peg) Patterson Bray and was a resident of Dryden and Cortland most of her life. Edna spent most of her time caring for others. She was a loving mother and always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was a CNA for many years at Highgate Manor Nursing Home. She also owned and operated Joe's Mobil Station with her husband, Joseph P. Burda Jr. She was most recently employed by Sturges Electronics in Dryden, N.Y. Edna loved to play Bingo, crotchet and read in her spare time. She is survived by three daughters and two sons, Debbie Kniffen of Mississippi ; Kathy Kniffen of Tennessee; Joey Burda of S. Carolina; Karen (Kevin) Hill of Concord, N. Carolina and Thomas J. Burda of Cortland; a close family friend, Naomi Burda; brothers and sisters, Richard Smith and Jerry Bray both of Tennessee, Bernard Bray of S. Carolina, Marge Shepard of Henderson, N.Y., Marlene Cutler of Ithaca and Marilyn Matice of Oregon and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph P. Burda Jr. on January 23, 2010 as well as her brothers, Glenn Smith, Jr. William and David Smith and sisters, Bonnie Hardy and Barbara Bray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. in the Riccardi Funeral Chapel69 N. Main St., Cortland, prior to Mass. Contributions in Edna's memory may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association.