Burgl Chesbro

Troy- Burgl Chesbro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. She was born in Kiekheim, Germany on December 5, 1924. As a young girl she was active in gymnastics and art. She later flew gliders showing her adventurous spirit. Her pre-med studies at Heidelburg University were interrupted by WWII. During the latter part of the war she was responsible for leading a group of children into the mountains to keep them away from the bombing of German cities. She kept them occupied with sports and putting on plays. When the war ended Burgl met her American soldier husband, the late Forest Chesbro and came to the USA to marry him. She had a business knitting and selling baby clothes. She also assisted Forest, who went by his middle name Verne, as a professional magician on stage. She illustrated a book of German fairytales written by him. Later, she worked at the Norton Company in Watervliet.
Burgl had many hobbies usually involving flower arranging, various forms of needlework or crafts. She was known for her beautiful gardens which she considered her sanctuary. Growing flowers was her favorite pastime.
Burgl volunteered at the Veteran's Hospital in Albany for approximately 30 years giving thousands of hours of her time. She received a letter from President George H.W. Bush selecting her as one of his "Thousand Points of Light." She also received many awards for volunteering at the Senior Center in Colonie for more than 20 years. She was known for her kindness, generosity and positive attitude.
Burgl was the mother of Sonya Soanes, the late Verna Chesbro, and Stefan Chesbro, Sr. She is also survived by her beloved grandsons: Stefan Chesbro, Jr. and Matthew Chesbro and many nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank the staffs of Clare Bridge in Niskayuna and Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center for their compassionate care of Burgl over the years.
Calling hours will be from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, December 8th at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. On Wednesday, December 9th calling hours will be from 9am to 11am at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, West Chapel, 521 W. Main Street, North Adams, MA. A funeral service will be held at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Clarksburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.