Jeanne Burnham

Jeanne Marie Burnham was a vibrant woman and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was sincere and open minded, positive and non-judgmental. At home and on the job, she maintained a positive outlook on life that inspired family and students alike. Her sense of humor enabled her to laugh at herself and to make others comfortable in her presence. Jeanne was a gift of love to those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jeanne Marie was born in Jackson, Michigan on January 2, 1954. It was a significant year in U.S. history with the Supreme Court decision to desegregate schools and the rising prominence of Martin Luther King, Jr. The civil rights movement became a dramatic force in society, jobs for a majority of Americans were plentiful in a lively economy, and growing families launched the baby boom era.

Jeanne Marie was the daughter of Ed and Hattie (Zimmerman) Clingerman. He supported the family through his own sprinkler business in Jackson, and she cared for their three children at home: Richard, Jeanne and Mike. Jeanne enjoyed a childhood that included tap dancing, cheerleading and a pet duck. She loved her parents and had a great relationship with her mother, but perhaps typical of siblings, she liked to get her big brother in trouble.

During her high school years at Northwest High School, Jeanne was on the cheerleading squad, played clarinet in the band and liked the music of Janis Joplin, James Taylor and Carole King. She graduated in 1972 and went on to earn a BA in Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

She launched a successful teaching career at Portage West Middle School and then Portage North Middle School. Recognized for her skill and dedication throughout her career, Jeanne was nominated for many awards in education.

Jeanne asserted herself in another area of her life. While working at Wayside West, she bought a drink for a young man who captured her interest, Russell "Russ" Burnham. In truth, the two of them were soulmates, and they began their lifelong journey together when they married on June 4, 1977 in Jackson.

Jeanne and Russ delighted in the births of their three daughters—Brandi, Kelli and Nikki. Over the years, they took advantage of the school calendar that effected Jeanne and the kids. Every Spring Break, the family vacationed in Daytona, Florida, went camping during the summers, traveled to Mexico and took cruises to the Caribbean. On Christmas break, Jeanne did her best to make the holiday special and created wonderful family traditions for Christmas Eve. She was thrilled to spend time with her family, and that feeling only grew as her daughters married and had children of their own. Jeanne made sure she was always available to babysit her grandbabies, Roxi and Zizi, and she loved every minute of it.

For recreation, Jeanne liked going to casinos, taking road trips, shopping for discounts, spending time on the beach and laying in the sun with a Captain and Diet Coke (a tall one, but not a double). She was a fan of the Detroit Tigers but loved to hate the Lions because of their long, long losing streak. She liked to dance and stayed current with the music of the day. On the more sedate side, Jeanne was an avid reader of many authors and she liked to knit and sew. In her 60 years of life, she lived each day to the fullest.

Jeanne Marie Burnham of Portage, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Russ; three daughters: Brandi (Kurt) Wiggers of Kalamazoo; Kelli Burnham of Portage; Nikki (Stephen) McKernan of Grand Rapids; two grandbabies: Roxi and Zizi Wiggers; one brother: Mike (Paula) Clingerman of Jackson. She is preceded in death by her parents: Ed and Hattie Clingerman; one brother: Richard “Dick” Clingerman.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 4 to 6PM at Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600). The memorial service will be on Saturday at 6 PM at the same location.

Please visit Jeanne’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo.