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Barbara Mary Burnham of White River Junction, VT passed away December 13 ^th , 2020 at Hanover Terrace in Hanover, NH, following a period of declining health and a positive COVID-19 test. She was 86. Barbara was born at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover on October 1, 1934 to George G. Gunn Sr. and Helen Menard. She grew up in Wilder Village, under the watchful and loving eyes of her father's sister, her Aunt Mary. She attended Wilder schools and graduated from Hartford High School in 1954. While in high school, she met Fay E. Burnham, her future husband. Fay was a taxi driver at the time and when he spotted a pretty girl in downtown WRJ, he just had to say hello. They married after Fay's return from his army service in Germany, on November 6 ^th , 1954. Together they raised five children; Koni, Gary, Donald, Kathy, and David. Barb was a working mother, having been employed by Hillcrest Motors, Shepard's Corporation, and finally Dartmouth College. She worked in Central Stores as a purchasing agent, and retired in 1995.

During Barb's younger days, she was an avid candlepin bowler, often playing with her stepmother Vera, her sister Penny, and teaching her daughters. She also enjoyed watching her children play sports, and was a Boston Red Sox fan until the end. Barb and Fay also enjoyed going to the dog track, the casino, and hosting family game nights. Barb was fascinated by family history and was a keen genealogy researcher. She kept multiple books of family records and often employed her son and son-in-law to drive her around to local cemeteries to fill in the gaps. She was also a talented crafter, knitter and crocheter. She showered her family and friends with homemade pieces, including plastic canvas tchotchkes, scarves, and mittens. Her afghan blankets were a coveted item. She made all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren a bear blanket when they were born. Barb crocheted well into her later years, often with a ball game on in the background. Barb will also be remembered for her yummy mac and cheese, copious amounts of Chex mix during the holidays and delicious fudge.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents, her aunt, her son-in-law John Fletcher, and her husband of 65 years, Fay, who passed away in June. She is survived by her brother Mike Gunn and wife Gloria of Springfield, her sisters Penny Yanick and partner Randy of White River Junction, Sandra Sykes and husband Rod of Hartland, brother George G. Gunn Jr. and wife Christine of Kent, WA, sister-in-law Katherine Vaughan and husband Jerry of Montpelier, children Koni Fletcher of White River Junction, Gary Burnham and wife Deborah of White River Junction, Donald Burnham and wife Dorie of Land o' Lakes, FL, Kathy Burnham of Lebanon, NH, and David Burnham of White River Junction. Also grandchildren, Kristy Driver and husband David of Windsor, Katie Jo Chapman and fiancée Suzie of Scotland, Megan Chapman and partner Jason of Plainfield, NH, Aaron Burnham of Florida, Holly Burnham of West Hartford, Stephen Burnham of Enfield, NH, and Alex Burnham and fiancée Jelysbeth of Florida. Also her great-grandchildren Brandon and Bradley Driver of Windsor, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Barbara these past several years, especially the kind and caring essential workers who treated her like family these last several months when her own could not visit.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 19 ^th at 11:00 am at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction. There will be limited capacity. State of Vermont COVID-19 guidelines will apply, including mandatory mask wearing. Barbara and Fay will be interred together along with their beloved dogs in the Hartford Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, P.O. Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037.