Marlene C. Burmingham

Marlene C. Burmingham, 80, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home.

Marlene was born on April 20, 1945, in Wareham, Massachusetts, to Charles and Charity Towne. At five months old, she went to live with her aunt Hazel and uncle Fred in Syracuse, New York, who raised her as their own. When she was 13, Marlene, along with her aunt and uncle, moved in with her biological parents just outside of North Bay, New York, where many fond memories were made-picnics in the backyard, fishing, sliding down grassy hills, and riding flying saucers.

She graduated from Camden High School in 1963. On February 12, 1965, Marlene married Larry Burmingham in Camden, New York, and together they had a daughter. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Marlene later met Ed Rounds, with whom she shared more than 25 years together until his passing in 2017.

Marlene began her working career in Syracuse at General Electric as an assembly line worker for two years. She later devoted nearly three decades to Mercy Hospital Nursing Home, retiring in 2005 after 29 years and nine months of service. During her career, she worked as a nursing assistant, housekeeper, in medical records, and as the activities director. Marlene took great pride in caring for others, her family, and her church community.

She was an avid bowler, having bowled even during her high school years. Marlene enjoyed trips to the casino, playing bingo, knitting and crocheting, watching games shows, word games, reading romance novels, and completing crossword puzzles. A devoted Elvis fan, she took great joy in collecting Elvis memorabilia. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially cherishing the moments she shared with her grandchildren. A truly giving person, she was known for her kindness, generosity, and the love she so freely gave to those around her.

Marlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa S. and Claude Frazier of Carthage, NY; her grandchildren, Marlissa (Joseph)Wolfe, Brandon (Jessica) Frazier, all of Carthage, NY; four great-grandchildren, Laylah, Landon, Levi, and Kyleigh; her sister, Charlene Fairchild of Syracuse, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her fiancé and longtime companion, Ed Rounds; and her siblings, Carlene, Charles, and Patrick Towne.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday , January 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey Street, Watertown, NY. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00 PM. Burial will take place in the spring at Hillside Cemetery in Champion, NY.

Donations in Marlene's memory may be made to the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home Resident Activities Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.