Ruth Germaine Burton

1924 - 2022

4th grade teacher, great-grandmother, loved to travel, 98 Ruth Germaine Burton, 98, of Staten Island, New York passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Ruth was born in Brooklyn on February 15, 1924. Ruth moved to Staten Island when she was young and lived on Staten Island most of her life. Ruth is predeceased by her first husband Francis McGowan and her second husband Charles Burton and her children Kevin McGowan (Rose) and Joyce McLaughlin (Pat) and her stepchildren Charles Burton Jr and Marilyn Moor (Robert). Ruth graduated Saint Peter's Girls High School when she was 16 years old. She graduated Cum Laude from Wagner College with a BS degree in Education in 1961. She received a MS degree in Education from Wagner College in 1969. Ruth was a teacher in the New York City school system for 20 years. She taught 4th grade at PS 45 for many years, retiring in 1982. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her extended family, especially at the Jersey Shore. She also enjoyed travelling around the United States to see family and friends. After retirement, Ruth enjoyed travelling to different countries and learning about their cultures. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching classic movies. Ruth is survived by her sons, Douglas McGowan (Rosemary) and Richard McGowan (Carol) and stepdaughters Gail Cardell (Frank) and Cheryl Burton. Also her grandchildren Timothy McLaughlin (Megan), Thomas McGowan (Karen), Robert McGowan (Meghan), Kathleen McGowan (Joshua), Amanda McGowan, Michele Byrne (Chris), Athena McGowan, Erin McGowan, Robert Moor (Janet), Suzanne Bischoff (John), and Judith Koop (Roland). Ruth is also survived by her great granddaughters Gianna and Cassidy and great grandsons Logan and Grayson. A special thank you to Davi who was a wonderful caregiver for Ruth since October 2020. Visitation is at Harmon Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 8 from 4 to 8 pm. Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10310 (718) 442-5056