Clair Burman

East Lyme - Clair Burman, 59, of East Lyme, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at her home, having lost her brave battle with breast cancer. She was born in Chiswick, West London, England, on April 29, 1958, the daughter of John and Myra McKinnon Dennis of Hillingdon, UK. She qualified as a nurse in 1979, and worked in various UK hospitals where she met her husband, Stephen Burman, whom she married on June 27, 1981, in Hillingdon, UK. Clair and Stephen Burman settled in the United States 14 years ago and they became U.S. citizens in August of 2015. Clair personified the qualities of care, harmony and beauty and always held the needs of others at heart. She had a delightful sense of humour and a twinkle in her eye. Never one to make a fuss, she was a true Christian and her faith was of great importance to her. In addition to her husband, Stephen, and her parents, she is survived by two sons, Joseph Burman of Walmer, Kent UK, Samuel Burman of Tulsa, Okla.; a sister, Fiona Gorman of Iver, UK; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Burman-Parfitt, daughter of Joseph Burman. Clair was a wonderfully loving and supportive mother, encouraging her sons to be their best and follow their passions. She was always there. She was always part of their lives, and they were part of hers. They knew they were loved, and she passed that love down to them. Love for her family was matched only by her love for baking, a talent which she also passed down to her granddaughter, Elizabeth. Her lemon drizzle cake was second to none. A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to either the Center for Hospice Care, or to the Smilow Cancer Center at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.