Paula Burns (1962-2023)
Paula J. Burns, 61, a longtime Beacon resident, died Dec. 4 at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh.
She was born in Harlem on Nov. 24, 1962, the daughter of Lincoln Armstrong and Almond Fredericks. After graduating from Beacon High School and earning an associate’s degree, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1985 to 1989 on active duty, and until 1993 in the reserves.
Paula worked for more than 30 years, until her retirement, as a corrections officer at the Downstate and Fishkill correctional facilities, where she attained the rank of sergeant.
She is survived by her sons, Dashaun Burns (Brynne), Rashaad Burns and Tyree Burns; and her grandchildren, Rashaad Jr., Aiden, Noelle, Chance and Kendrix. She is also survived by her siblings: Michael Armstrong, Steven Armstrong (Brenda) and Paulette Goggins. Along with her parents, her stepmother, Louise Armstrong, died before her.
The family will receive friends on Dec. 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Libby Funeral Home, 55 Teller Ave. in Beacon, where reflections of Paula’s life will be offered at 11 a.m., followed by interment with military honors at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
Joan Serino (1939-2023)
Joan Marie Serino, 84, a lifelong Beacon resident, died Dec. 3, surrounded by family members.
She was born Oct. 22, 1939, in Cold Spring, the daughter of Michael and Nora Baltich. She graduated from Haldane High School, where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. She worked as a waitress before starting a career at United Reproduction as a secretary. She was also a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn in Fishkill for 16 years.
On Oct. 22, 1959, in Beacon, Joan married Michael Serino.
She was the most selfless and kind person to everyone she met, her family said. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals and enjoyed feeding “her” birds and squirrels daily. (Remember to feed the squirrels. Joan will be watching!)
Joan is survived by her children, JeanMarie Serino of Fishkill, Carmine Serino (Patricia) of Beacon and Michele Serino-Rios of Beacon; and her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy: Alexandra and Emma Rios, and Michael and Jenna Serino.
Along with her husband, her siblings Helen Killmer, Danny Serino, Alex “Baldy” Serino and George Serino died before her.
A funeral service was offered Dec. 7 at Libby Funeral Home in Beacon, followed by interment scheduled for Dec. 9 at St. Joachim Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Purple Heart Foundation (purpleheartfoundation.org) or the World Wildlife Fund (protect.worldwildlife.org).
