Loretta M. Burden

Loretta M. Burden (Ayako Fukuzawa), 88, of McGraw, NY passed away peacefully at the Groton Community Health Care Center on April 30, 2025.

She was born May 4, 1936 in Los Angeles, California and had lived in McGraw throughout her adult years. Loretta devoted her time taking care of her farm. For many years, she raised sheep and enjoyed carding and spinning the wool to make yarn. She called herself the “Little Shepherd.” Loretta and Bob named their home the "Sheepy Hollow Farm." 

At one time, Loretta became an avid skier and worked as a ski instructor at Greek Peak. She and Bob were also very active in the Adaptive Snowsports Program at Greek Peak. 

She is survived by her daughter Linda Picciano and granddaughter Julia Picciano, both of Cortland; sisters-in-law: Sadako Fukuzawa and Lois Muraoka; and many nieces and nephews. 

Loretta was predeceased by her husband, Robert Burden; parents, Leo Mineki Fukuzawa and Mary Tsuruko Seki Fukuzawa; and brothers: Gene (Chubby) Fukuzawa, Robert Fukuzawa, and Kenneth (Kenji) Fukuzawa.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 8th, 12:00- 3:00, at the Cortland American Legion, 212 Tompkins St, Cortland, NY 13045. There are no prior calling hours.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports Program (https://www.gpadaptive.org/donate), or mail to Greek Peak Adaptive Snow Sports, 214 Kent Ave., PMB 261, Endwell, NY 13760. Arrangements are with the Shurtleff Funeral Home, and online condolences may be shared at www.shurtleffservices.com .