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Debra Burnham Obituary

Debra J. (Milkman) Burnham, 51, a long time resident of Sutton, passed away peacefully Sunday evening in the Kindred Hospital, Leicester, with her family at her side, after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Whitinsville on July 17, 1956, she was the daughter of Russell and the late Carol (Johnson) Milkman. She attended Sutton Public Schools, graduating in 1974. She also attended Quinsigamond CC and Worcester State College, where she earned her BSBA. She was a lifelong member of the Blackstone Valley Methodist Church. Deb enjoyed traveling, singing, dancing, and routing for the Red Sox.

Deb leaves behind her daughter, Jennifer Burnham of Attleboro; her father, Russell of South Sutton; two brothers, Michael Milkman and his wife Linda of Millville and Steven Milkman and his wife Barbara of Worcester; three sisters, Nancy DeBigare of Whitinsville, Kate Milkman of Sutton and Sally Laporte of Flint, MI; a niece and three nephews and her beloved dog Jasmine.

Deb's family and friends will always remember her kindness and compassionate spirit, as she would put others first, even through her own illness. Deb's greatest gifts were her wonderfully infectious laugh, ability to make friends, and her deep faith in God which inspired everyone who met her; she will be deeply missed every day.

Calling hours for Deb will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, in the Blackstone Valley Methodist Church, 61 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville.

Deb's family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her name to the ALS Assoc.-MA Chapter, 75 McNeil Way-Suite 310, Dedham, MA 02026.

www.Carrfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on May 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Burnham

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Trish Benoit-Rudden

June 4, 2008

I met Deb in High School; we worked together at ISI and went to Quinsig. She had the greatest dimples, and always had a positive upbeat attitude, and I wished I could be like her. Some of those positive attributes I learned from her during that time I use to this day with my own sons. She was very proud of every member of her family, and never failed to express it. I hadn't seen her in probably 20 years, but I have never forgotten her. May she shine as a beacon to everyone who knew her.

Fran & Kathy Deschaine

June 2, 2008

Dear Jenn,

You are a special young lady, a beautiful reflection of your mother. She poured her heart, soul, and life into you. How special for you and for all of us because she will live on in you, and we will get to see her when we see you. We love you and hope we will stay in touch. Know we will always have you in our thoughts and prayers.

allison eaton gelsebach

May 29, 2008

To the Burnham/Milkman Families:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Debbie was such a wonderful person. I will always remember her laugh and the way she took me under her wing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and yours at this time.

Peggy Johnson

May 27, 2008

Jenn and family, I so wish I could have seen Deb one last time. She was very loved and will be missed terribly. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. Peggy

Judy Kolessar

May 27, 2008

Jenn:

I worked with your Mom at Astra. I remember you as a little girl at our Christmas parties and how proud she was of you. She was always striving to move ahead and get an education so she could make things better for you! She was a great mom! I also remember your Mom's sense of humor and her laugh - just thinking of it makes me smile! She was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Angie Sousa

May 26, 2008

Jenn I never got to meet you mom but if you are alot like her she was a awesome person. I am very sorry and if you need anything you know where I am. Stay strong

Joe Andrade

May 26, 2008

Jenn,
I was fortunate to meet your mother.For the brief time i knew her,she was caring and very thoughtful.She will forever live in our memories and our hearts.Remember that you are not alone,we are all here for you.

Jennifer Burnham

May 24, 2008

Momma,
I will never forget the thirty years that you were my mother and my best friend. I know you are with me now and that we will see eachother again. I love you and will miss you always...
~JennB

Maryann Reidy Jackson

May 22, 2008

Dear Burnham and Milkman Families,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Deb from high school and have many fond memories. God could not have gotten a better angel. My thought and prayers are with you all.

Elaine Kamyck-Racine

May 22, 2008

To the Burnham/Milkman Family - Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Elaine and staff at Senior Comfort Services.

Denise Richard

May 22, 2008

Dear Burnham/Milkman families: I was very sorry to read of your loss. It was just last year that we went through the end stages of ALS with my 67-year old brother. I truly know the pain your families must have felt for Debra as she waged her battle. It was, however, a privilege to call him my brother as he waged his battle with the most courage and grace I have ever seen. I can only hope that the time your family shared with Debra through such a merciless illness helped strengthen you for the days ahead. If she was anything like David, I'm sure her "specialness" will live on in your hearts. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Denise Richard

Cathy Cahill

May 22, 2008

To Jenn and The Milkman Family, I knew Deb as a teenager in the youth group of the UMC in Whitinsville. My memories of Deb are the fun times we had in MYF. My prayers to her family for their loss

Jessica Heldenbergh(Philbrook)

May 22, 2008

Jenn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joan Sirois

May 22, 2008

My deepest sympathies to Deb's family. I am grateful to have known Deb...we shared many happy times together. I will miss my friend.

Natalie Cross

May 22, 2008

Dear Kate and Sally,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy

May 22, 2008

Deb,
I'll always remember our talks....and laughs. I am happy knowing there isn't any more pain for you. That you can once again get up dance until you can dance no more. I can picture you and Greg tearing up the dance floor. Ha! What a sight that will be! You have a wonderful reunion with your Mom , I know you've missed her so much. You're flying with the angels now, that in itself is a wonderful thing.
Love,

Betsy Johnson

May 21, 2008

Jen and family, I am keeping all of you in my prayers. I will forever cherish my memories of times spent with Debbie. Love, Betsy

Crisanna Favreau

May 21, 2008

Jenn,
We are thinking of you and your Mom's family all the time. We miss your Mom very much! Wishing you continued strength and love each day. Please know that we are always here for you, at any time. Love, Crisanna and Ariana

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