Obituary of Helen Burr

Helen Elizabeth ("Betty") Burr, 82, passed away July 15, 2014 at Duncaster's Caleb Hitchcock Health Center in Bloomfield, CT. She was born December 3, 1931 in Port Chester, NY to Lester James Gagner and Helen Agnes (Duff) Gagner and grew up in Bridgeport later moving to Shelton to raise her family. Following graduation from Warren Harding High in 1949, Betty entered the first class of the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport earning an Associate in Science degree in 1951. For most of her career as a dental hygienist, she was employed by Dr. Robert Murphy of Shelton, CT. She often said how fortunate she was to have a boss like Dr. Bob. A devoted mother to her daughters Pat and Kate, she was a Girl Scout troop leader and "horse show" mom. She was known to sew new outfits for her daughters the night before a horse show. A gifted pianist, she enjoyed popular music and show tunes, playing duets with her father who accompanied her on the violin. She also loved to dance to "big band" music and looked forward to attending the weekly musical programs at Caleb Hitchcock. An avid animal lover like her dad, she spoiled the family dogs and enjoyed their visits. Betty is survived by her former husband, Arthur Burr of Fort Myers, FL; long term companion Mr. Louis Lachioma of Milford, CT: daughters Patricia Gorski; Dr. Kathleen Burr and partner Robin Malkasian. She is predeceased by her parents Lester and Helen, and her sister Patricia Gagner. The funeral services will be held on July 21, 2014 at 10:00 am at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Stratford, CT. Internment will follow at St. Michael's cemetery, Stratford, CT. Our family wishes to express our gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, CNA's, and auxiliary personnel at the Caleb Hitchcock Health Center at Duncaster Retirement, Bloomfield, CT. In addition to providing expert and compassionate medical care, they became our mother's extended family. Memorial donations can be made to the Duncaster Memorial Education Fund, 10 Loeffler Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.