Nancy Sue Burns has dedicated her life to service to the Sidney community. Nancy was born in Bainbridge, NY, but grew up in Sidney graduating in 1956. She went on to Keuka College graduating in 1960 with her bachelor's degree.
Nancy is a true champion at overcoming the obstacles that life presents. At age seven, she contracted polio that left her with some paralysis. She raised three daughters as a single mom for several years. Nancy focused on a career path in journalism at a time when women's roles were largely restricted. In each instance she has not only persevered but excelled.
Nancy's mentor was her father and former Sidney Chamber of Commerce secretary, Larry Haynes. While serving as editor of the Tri-Town-News for over thirty years, she also served on the Sidney Chamber of Commerce as a six term director, as well as a long term Chamber of Commerce membership chairman and Vision 21 Quality of Life Pride subcommittee chairman. Formerly she served on the early Best Committee, a local committee organized to assist people in receiving needed job training and in preparation of job interviews.
She has also been active in the Sidney School PTO where she served as President as well as being involved in the Sidney Business and Professional Women's Club. Nancy has been a Sunday school teacher for many years and also volunteered for the Girl Scouts as a Brownie Scout Leader.
In 2002, Nancy Sue was selected as Sidney's Citizen of the Year. The program from that event describes Nancy as showing "character, class, compassion, commitment, and contagious sense of excitement about promoting her community and the talents of the people in it". Nancy "is a forward thinker whose interaction with people now sows the seeds for more zealous, considerate citizens of the years to come".
Long time colleague and friend, Ed Roelle wrote…"Her fierce love for her family, her church and her community is visible at all times. I can’t tell you how many times we sat down together to discuss a community problem and what we could do about it. I can truly say she is a caring person and a joy to be around."