ELLIOT - Oscar
(Sara-Elliot Oscar Nym) passed away on June 27, 2022 in Buffalo, NY. Oscar was born in Burlington, VT on May 9, 1987 to Debra (Thomas) Burhans and the late William C. Burhans. Oscar is survived by their mother, Debra, and sister, Molly Burhans of Buffalo, NY; aunts, and uncles, Mary Thomas (Fred Witkin), Peter Burhans (Crystal), Buzz Burhans (Chris Rossiter), David Burhans (Jeanette), and Barbara Burhans, and Burhans cousins Dawn, Daniel, David, Christopher, Ben, Kelsey, Heather, and Grace. Oscar attended Mount St. Joseph Academy, City Honors School, and graduated in 2005 from The Park School of Buffalo. They received a BA in Comparative Literature from Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges. Oscar trained at the Neglia Conservatory of Ballet from 1995-2005 and attended summer programs at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Oscar had a lifelong passion for dance and music. Oscar attended cosmetology school at The Salon Professional Academy and graduated from the Buffalo School of Cosmetology and Barbering in 2019. Oscar saw hair styling as a science and an art. They were exceptionally talented with artistic and novel uses of hair color. They believed hair could empower and engender confidence and joy in people from all walks of life. Oscar generously provided hair services to many friends for little or no money, especially to LGBTQ+ and neuro-divergent individuals who might not have felt comfortable or welcome in a salon or might have lacked the means to access one. Oscar's talent for visual art extended beyond the salon chair. They created numerous multi-media works, particularly collages, whose designs were inspired by the human condition and psyche, including their own emotional states. Some of their art addressed issues of social and economic justice. They were inspired by the beauty around them, from the landscapes they spent many hours walking through to their favorite movies and shows, with a special fondness for Totoro. Oscar was a voracious reader, they particularly enjoyed the writing of Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino. Oscar suffered from severe mental illness. Despite their struggles, they were known by those around them as a generous friend, a creative spirit, and a loving presence. Oscar will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved them. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an inclusive and accessible local arts organization or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News on Jul. 31, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Oscar ELLIOT

3 Entries

Rick Davis, AnCan Foundation

June 30, 2023

AnCan Foundation is desperately saddened to learn this news, albeit 12 months late. We wish Deb, Molly and all the Burhans/Thomas family much comfort.
The plight of 'Previvors' has long been on our radar since supporting Professor Bill GRHS. AnCan is working closely with the UCSF Center for BRCA Research and also with FORCE to improve mental health and medical support for Previvors.
May Oscar's memory always be a blessing.

James F. Duggan

August 2, 2022

Sara Oscar was my student for two years at City Honors and often have I thought about this reserved yet abundantly gifted writer and thinker. As I read the memorial tribute I was reminded of the day late in her Sophomore year when she asked if I would write a recommendation for her. Typically this would have been for a summer internship or job requirement. I was moved when they told me it was for a transfer to Park School. Without hesitation, I said "yes" but I felt a real loss for our school and for myself. All these years later I was able to recover the letter that I wrote then and today I am saddened to learn of this untimely passing. Sara Oscar was sunshine in my life.

June 4, 2003

The Park School
Director of Admissions
4625 Harlem Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14226-3846

Director of Admissions:

I write on behalf of Sara Burhans who is currently a tenth grade student and has been a member of my English classes for the previous two years. Presently, she is completing the AP Literature and Composition Course that is mandated for our sophomores and, while results will not be available until July, I am confident of Sara´s chances for success. She will be taking the New York State Comprehensive Exam in English later this month and, again, I am confident of her success. Sara has been exposed to a challenging reading and writing component and has demonstrated a facility for appreciating the subtleties of quality literature. I am confident that Sara Burhans will be able to handle the rigors of a substantial academic program.

Quiet by nature, Sara´s pensive demeanor belies her affable nature as she has developed a unique cadre of friends and seems imminently satisfied with the individual she is in the process of becoming. She is respected by her peers and my faculty colleagues and her decision to transfer will leave a gap in our community. Consider Park School fortunate to have gained such a fine young lady.

Sincerely,

James F. Duggan
Department of English