Obituary of Carol Burns

Carol Burns, 87, departed this life on Friday, August 22, 2025, at The Delaney of Bridgewater. The daughter of Elmer and Edith Derflinger, Carol was born and raised in Plainfield, NJ, graduating Plainfield High School, Class of 1956. Upon graduating, the Derflinger family relocated to South Plainfield, and she accepted a job with Bakelite, which later became Union Carbide. It was here she met her husband, Richard J. Burns. Residing briefly in Somerville, the two later settled in Piscataway, where Carol has lived since. Following the move to Piscataway, she began working at Rutgers University, in the accounting department, until retiring in 2003. In her retirement, Carol enjoyed time spent outside, gardening, and working in the yard. An animal lover, she also cherished the time spent with her many pets through the years. A long time communicant of Saint Francis Episcopal Church, Carol was active in the church, lending a helping hand whenever needed for the church group. Predeceased by her parents, brother Douglas, and former husband, Richard J. Burns, Carol is survived by her three sons, Richard (Stephanie) Burns, Gary (Maggie) Burns, and Larry Burns. She will also be missed by her grandsons, Stephen, Jonathan, Anthony and his wife Lily, and Michael, as well as a host of extended relatives and friends. A visitation will be held at the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held at Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 400 New Market Rd, Dunellen, NJ, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Funeral Home prior to the Church service, beginning at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery Scotch Plains, 1401 Woodland Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the Burns family has requested that donations be made to an animal shelter or rescue of your choosing, in Carol’s name.