Patricia Louise Scofield Burnett, who was involved in starting the Springs Food Pantry, died at home in Springs on Feb. 24 at the age of 98.
She moved to the hamlet in 1985 after she and Leland (Buck) Burnett Jr. of Southampton, whom she married in 1948, became partners in Harbor Marina. Mrs. Burnett managed the office at the marina until their full retirement.
The couple were members of the Springs Community Church, “finding a cherished circle of friends who became central to their lives,” their family said. Mrs. Burnett was instrumental in starting the food pantry along with other church members. She also volunteered at the Springs Library.
“Known for her joyful spirit, she was lighthearted and often mischievous,” her family said. “She loved dancing and was featured in Look magazine showing off the latest dance style when she was in high school.” The first record she bought featured the “1812 Overture,” but she also enjoyed Broadway showtunes, Andre Rieu and his Strauss waltzes, and Frank Sinatra. A Yankees fan, Mrs. Burnett rarely missed a game on TV.
“She made friends easily and would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone,” her family wrote.
Born on March 30, 1927, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Calvin and Beatrice Scofield, she graduated from high school there and from secretarial school in New York City. Before her marriage she worked in the city and had summer positions at Southampton Hospital and the Irving Hotel in Southampton.
She was a homemaker after her marriage and an active member of many church and civic groups. When she returned to the work force she became the church secretary for Christ United Methodist Church in New Rochelle and later the executive assistant to the editor of The Medical Letter, also in New Rochelle. Mrs. Burnett thrived with the publication, her family said, mastering the challenge of the new computer age.
Mrs. Burnett is survived by five children, Cathleen Burnett of Missouri, Sally Pomeroy of Massachusetts, Susan Burnett of Colorado, Nancy Bormuth of New York, and Lee Burnett of New Hampshire, and by 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two nieces, Jennifer Morton of Idaho and Andrea Burroughs of Georgia, and by eight great-nieces and great-nephews, and 27 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Her husband, a sister, Shirley Elizabeth (Liz) Scofield, and a niece, Jill Elizabeth Mansholt, died before her.
A memorial service will be held on April 18 at 11 a.m. at the Springs Community Church, followed by refreshments in Fellowship Hall. Her family has suggested donations to the Heart of Springs at heartofsprings.com, the Springs Food Pantry at springsfoodpantry.org, or East End Hospice at eeh.org.
