Carolyn R. Burnham

WINTHROP – Carolyn R. Burnham, 74, passed away peacefully at her home on July 24, 2023, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Carolyn was born in Machias, Maine, April 12, 1949, with her twin sister Carol entering the world and she following a few minutes behind. Carolyn attended Machias Memorial High School, graduating in 1967. Her graduating class had three sets of twins, which was somewhat of a historical event in the small coastal town.

After completing high school, Carolyn attended Aroostook State College (now known as University of Maine Presque Isle), earning her bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1971. It was at UMPI that she met and later married Ron Burnham. They moved to Winthrop, Maine following graduation, where they raised their two daughters, Stacy and Amy.

Carolyn was employed for 40 years at Key Bank on Main Street in Winthrop. She began her career as a teller and later became assistant manager of the branch. She knew many, many people in town as a result. There was not a Key client who did not know Carolyn. Her customer service was exceptional.

Carolyn was a woman of many talents, one of which was sewing. She began sewing at the age of nine, and her abilities were outstanding. She made clothing for her family, bibs for her grandchildren, and even storage pockets for student chairs at Winthrop Grade School. For the last 20 years, she also had a small craft business with her sister, still planning to participate in a craft fair in her hometown of Machias in December.

Family meant everything to Carolyn. To say that she was devoted to her family would be an understatement. She attended nearly every sporting and school event that her daughters and grandchildren had, whether it be home or away. She could often be seen picking up grandchildren from school or even bringing them in the morning, if need be. She was the kind of mother and grandmother that you simply had to mention needing something, and it would be taken care of within a day or two. She could always be counted on to hem pants, sew a button, make a costume, iron an important outfit, whip up whoopie pies for basketball concessions, and the list goes on and on. She was a giver and a doer, and her family were the beneficiaries.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Margaret McFaul Roberts and Victor Roberts. She is survived by her daughter Stacy Bourne and husband Bill, daughter Amy Wagner and her husband Nate; grandchildren, Bradley and Sam Bourne, Teddy, Madeline, and Nick Wagner. She is also survived by her sister Carol Guptill and husband Bob, niece Robin Benoit, nephew Jason Guptill, as well as ex-husband and longtime friend Ron Burnham.

In honoring Carolyn’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or visiting hours.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice for their support of Carolyn throughout her illness.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.