Lola Burns

Rochester, NH-Lola Amelia Tanner Burns passed away in her sleep after a short illness on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the age of 86.  She was born in Milton NH on September 20, 1932 and was the daughter of Rita P. Tanner Armstrong and George L. Tanner. Lola grew up in Milton and attended Nute High School where she was the valedictorian of her class before attending Keene State College and becoming an elementary school teacher. She was married to Dr. James G. Burns in 1955 years and together they raised three children; Michael, Piper and Peter.  After living in the Ithaca NY area for several years they returned to NH to start their family; living on Nute Ridge in Milton before moving onto Rochester to open the Rochester Equine Clinic with Doc Jim.  She fondly recalled 20 years of operating the clinic; caring for horses and swimming the horses as they recovered. In 1988 they built their "retirement home" in Ossipee NH where they began the next chapter.  They started Windy Field Farm with two commercial greenhouses that produced amazing local tomatoes and flowers.  After being widowed in 1995 Lola began hiking with a senior hiking club and met Arthur Brunt who became her companion and partner for the last 19 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.  She enjoyed the outdoors, skiing for almost 80 years, hiking all the 4,000 footers in her native White Mountains. She is survived by her companion, Arthur Brunt of Wolfeboro, daughter, Piper Ann Strong of Vermont, her brother and sister in law, G. Lawrence and Therese Tanner of Laconia, step-sisters Becky Wiley and Judy Murphy along with several cousins.  She has 5 grandsons; Michael J. Burns of Fort Carson, CO., Ian Strong and Benjamin Strong of VT, Matthew N. Burns of Orlando, FL, Otis Burns of VT and her four great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband Dr. James G. Burns, DVM and sons; Michael W. Burns and Peter K. Burns. We will all remember her as a vivacious woman with a great sense of humor who loved adventure.  Her memory will live on in those who loved her. Services: Calling hours will be Wednesday, July 17, 2019 from 3-4pm with a Memorial service to follow at 4pm at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street., Rochester NH. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.edgerlyfh.com