Jeannie M. Burling

1948 – 2026

Warsaw, New York

Jeannie “Jean” Dunckel Burling, age 77, of North Main Street, Warsaw, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville after a three month battle with heart disease. Her husband Dan and her son David stayed by her side every day, dedicating countless hours to her care and comfort. Born in Ilion, New York, on December 17, 1948, Jean was the cherished daughter of the late Claude and Margaret (Krause) Dunckel.

On July 11, 1970, following his return from Vietnam, six months later, Jean married the love of her life, Daniel J. Burling. Immensely proud of her Marine, she was at his side for every milestone, even pinning on his gold bars when he received his officer's commission. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Jean began her career as an EKG Technician at the former St. Jerome's Hospital and later Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia. Following her retirement from healthcare, she managed Corfu Wine and Spirits—one of the family businesses she shared with Dan—and later served as Treasurer and Secretary for both locations of Burling Drug in Attica and Corfu.

Jean was the constant, grace-filled anchor through all of Dan’s endeavors. Whether serving as his watchful copilot on flights to the Adirondacks, offering steady encouragement while he completed pharmacy school, or quietly fulfilling her role as "Warsaw's First Lady," she stood loyally by his side with unwavering devotion, even as a reluctant figure in the political spotlight.

Jean found true delight in life’s simple pleasures. She treasured shopping trips to Marshalls followed by long lunches with her dear friends, Linnie and Diane, and found profound serenity sitting in her kitchen, gazing out at the rose garden lovingly planted by her son, David. Passionate Buffalo Bills fans, Jean and Dan held season tickets for years, sharing game days with family and friends and even hosting Hall of Fame legends Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and their families in their Warsaw home. Jean took great pride in her historic home, personally directing its yearlong restoration and interior design.

A vibrant woman with an unforgettable, infectious laugh, Jean carried herself with effortless style and class—whether relaxing in her pool, showcasing her favorite jewelry, enjoying a cold Coors Light, or taking to the road in fast cars, especially her Corvettes and Alfa Romeo Giulia. A classy lady who lived life to the fullest, Jean had a real appreciation for life's pleasures. An ardent supporter of military veterans, she held a deep and lifelong reverence for their service. Above all, she was the self-proclaimed “Dog Mother,” devotedly raising her beloved Labradors, Rocky and Abby, and her St. Bernards, Alexis and Lilly.

A woman of deep faith and a devout Catholic, Jean was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Warsaw, living a life defined by love for people and a joyful spirit.

Jean was preceded in death by her brothers, Phillip and Bobby Dunckel, and her sister, Anne Dunckel.

She lives on in the hearts of her beloved husband, Dan; her daughter, Mary (Joe) Ryan of Pineville, NC; her son, David of Warsaw; her sister, Peggy Bianchi of Florida; her sister-in-law, Annette Dunckel of Virginia; and her cherished grandchildren, Alyssa Danielle Hill of Pineville, NC and Joseph (Kate) Ryan of Maiden, NC her great grandchildren, Harper and Hayes Hill both of Pineville, NC.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11Am, Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at St. Michael's Church in Warsaw with Father James Hartwell as Celebrant. Weeks Funeral Home 123 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569 has arrangements. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences, send cards, light a candle or to plant a tree in Jean's name. Memorial contributions are requested to Animal Friends of Wyoming County at 4380 NY-19 Silver Springs, NY 14550.