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Jennifer Burnham Obituary

BURNHAM Jennifer L. Burnham, age 42, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 7, 2009, surrounded by her family, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Oh., after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Her strength and spirit have inspired many people. Jennifer graduated from Milan Edison High School in 1984, and received her bachelor's in International Affairs and Marketing from The Ohio State University in 1989. She received her master's in business administration from Franklin University in 1998. Jennifer most recently was a marketing manager with the American Ceramic Society. She also was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Berlin Heights, Oh. She enjoyed family gatherings, crafts, gardening, travel and Ohio State football. Jennifer is survived by her husband, Mark Weitzel; sister, Julia Whittington and her spouse, Todd; brother, Joseph Burnham Jr. and his spouse, Lily; parents Joseph Sr. and Martha Burnham; in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, particularly her little niece, Julianna Burnham, with whom Jennifer had a special bond. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 11, 4-8 p.m. at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, located at 450 W. Olentangy St. (Powell Rd/St. Rt. 750, 1/4 mile east of Sawmill Pkwy.), Powell, Oh. 43065. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 12, at 1 p.m., at the First Congregational Church located at 5 E. Main St., Berlin Heights, Oh. 44814. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to make donations to the Memorial Fund at First Congregational Church. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Burnham

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Jackie Rose

March 24, 2009

Mark, It's been a while and I'm so sorry about Jennifer. Shauna mentioned to Karen who told me today about Jen. I'm so sorry for your loss and my deepest, deepest sympathy to you and her family.

Leslie Miller

March 14, 2009

Julia & Todd.....Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....please let us know if there is anything we can do for you....

With love,
Leslie and Brian Miller

Arlene Mendoza

March 14, 2009

My sincere condolences to Jen's family. I had the fortune of working with her for several years at Sterling Commerce and will always remember her laugh and wit. I know she will be missed.

Justin Teitt

March 13, 2009

Mark -- I know Jen's battle was long...and I'm convinced that there is no amount of preparation that can ready the heart for the loss of a spouse. But you know that those of us that knew her delighted in her...and those of us that remain are here for you in whatever way we can be. And I assure you that you are being lifted up in prayer in this crushing hour by folks that never were so blessed as I to know her. May peace find you and comfort you in unexpected ways.

Brian Beasley

March 12, 2009

Jennifer was the best and I was honored to be her friend. She had a strange fascination with my hair and would stop by frequently to pat it while we visited. This memory always cracks me up.

It reflects the quality of a human being when those who haven't seen her in more than a decade are so affected by her death. She is constantly on my mind and I find myself asking her where she is now. I grieve for her loss at such a young age. I'm so sad for her not being able to enjoy a long life spreading happiness and joy and embracing the beauty in the world and especially in those she cared about and loved.

Jennifer will always be with us. We are better individuals for having had her in our lives. May we take the lessons of her friendship and love and put them to practice in our lives. I think that would make her very happy.

Susie Salt Fallon

March 12, 2009

Mark,
It's been awhile since we've been in touch, but I want you to know I'm thinking of you...

Nancy Speicher

March 11, 2009

I never dreamed that the young girl I began working with almost 20 years ago would end up being such a treasured friend. Your friendship will be cherished always and your ability to keep pushing through the most difficult circumstances will be an inspiration always. How lucky you and Mark were to find each other and how fortunate your family and friends were to have you in their lives. We will raise a toast to you at every future GNO and hope you will watch over us and guide us with good advice whispered through the prayers we might still exchange for each other.

Doug Stitt

March 11, 2009

Jen is, far and away, the coolest, nicest, funniest, smartest, most hilarious person I've ever worked with. She was a client, a sister and a friend and someone who made a tangible impact on everything from how to live, how to deal with politics at work, and how to face adversity. I've never known anyone who dealt with hard times and difficult circumstances better than Jen. I'm crying at the moment, but her laughter and authentic love of life and people will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Mendy McKnight

March 11, 2009

Mark, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May you be blessed and have strength during this time of loss.

Margaret G'Nosa Saldivar

March 10, 2009

Dear Burnhams and Mark, my thoughts and memories of Jen are nothing but joyful. She was a light, an encourager, and a realist--a rare combination--during our time working together at Sterling. She had a wonderful knack of being able to "call a spade a spade" but doing it in a manner that wasn't offensive or hurtful.

I have happy memories of coming out to the orchard with Jen and some friends one rainy Saturday many years ago. You were all so welcoming to us. It was a wonderful look into the place Jen grew up--and a great understanding of where she got her warmth.

Your family has been in my prayers--and you will remain there. I pray you feel God's comfort through this amazingly challenging time. I'll be participating on our school's Relay for Life Team in Jen's name this spring.
m.

Candy Clark

March 10, 2009

Dear Joe, Martha, Julie and Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. The last time I saw Jennifer was when she was in high school with my kids, but Martha always kept me up to date on the girls when I saw her during my visits to Ohio. Love to you all and I will see you in August.

Sarah Frey

March 10, 2009

I worked with Jennifer at Sterling Commerce and thought she was such a cool and unique person. I really enjoyed all my interactions with her and thought her fun personality was like a breath of fresh air. I was very sad to hear the news and wish her family the best through this very tough time. Sarah Frey (Tampa, FL)

MaryLou Miller

March 10, 2009

To Mark, Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, Sister Julia and Brother Joe...
There are no words to describe our sorrow in knowing that Jennifer is no longer with us all. She seemed to be everything to everybody --loving wife, wonderful daughter and sister, and amazing friend.
We met Jennifer through our daughter Lori Conners some 11 years ago. More recently we had some real quality time with her while she was in Atlanta at the clinic at the same time as Jim. She kept us all laughing and in good spirits even if she was having a difficult day!
Despite all the sadness in her leaving us, we know that she now is at peace and resting without pain in the arms of our loving Father in Heaven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Most sincerely,
Mary Lou and Jim Miller

Kathie Allen

March 10, 2009

Jenn was always one of those bright lights in the Sterling offices and I'm sure to everyone whose life she touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family as they go through this great lose. May you days be spent sharing wonderful memories and good times.

Brenda Holbrook

March 10, 2009

Mark
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brenda

Jan Garton

March 10, 2009

Dearest Jennifer, I know you are in a better place now, but sure did not want you to go so soon. You did everything so right, had so much faith and hope, and always a smile on that beautiful face. You gave me so much encouragement the past couple of years even though you were suffering with your pain. So glad our paths crossed. We had so many good times over the years. Bless you, your family, and especially bless Mark, for taking such good care of his beloved, my friend, and one of a kind, Jennifer. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

scott and becky wilson

March 10, 2009

Jen was one of the nicest, most selfless people I have ever met. She always had such a positive outlook on life and never had a bad thing to say about anything. I will miss jen more than I can say. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark and her family.

Linda Brown

March 10, 2009

Jenn was a special person and good friend for many years. She will be missed more than words can explain and she will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Everyone who knew her is better person for it. My heart goes out to her family.

Deborah Knight

March 10, 2009

Jennifer was a special light in this world whose beautiful, happy glow will forever remain in the hearts of all those who knew her. I will never forget her vivacious spirit, her sharp intelligence and wit, and her truly insane sense of humor. There's got to be a special place in heaven for her...and it will be the happiest place in Paradise.

Lori Conners

March 10, 2009

Dearest Jennifer - You fought a hard battle with courage and strength and have left behind many fond memories and stories that will be remembered by your friends and family. You will be missed dearly but you are now in a place where you will have no pain and suffering and you are rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. I will never forget the many fun things we did together and what a caring friend you were. My three girls loved you dearly and had so much fun with you when you were around them. I'm glad they had the privilege of knowing you. You just had a way with kids! You will remain forever in our hearts and memories and will be missed more than words can express. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mark and the rest of Jen's family. May God wrap His loving arms around you during this most difficult time and may you find comfort in His promises.

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