Betty Jane Burnham

AUGUSTA – Betty passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 11:01 p.m. at Glenridge Hospice, where she suffered from frontal lobe dementia.

Betty was born Oct. 2, 1953, to Lucy and Arthur Whitaker, Sr., in Augusta. She was the fourth youngest of 18 children. Betty went to China, Maine schools and graduated Salutatorian at Erskine Academy, Class of 1973.

She married Lyle Burnham, Sr., on April 20, 1973, and they made their home in Belgrade. Betty went to work after graduating at the State of Maine’s Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for 4 – 6 years. She and her husband went on to raise a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Lyle Jr. When her children were older, Betty would also clean camps in Belgrade during the summers. She worked for over 20 plus years as a Secretary/Custodian at Central Maine Power Company. She loved watching cooking shows and listening to country music. She would get up at 5 a.m. to have a cup of coffee with her husband and read the newspaper.

Betty enjoyed her life with her family, husband, children, and adored her grandchildren. She was a big help with her grandchildren cooking delicious foods and desserts. She also enjoyed going to the Winterport Raceway with her sisters Muriel, Mary, Marie, Elaine, and Brenda to watch their brother Mike drag race.

She was predeceased by her parents; four sisters Vera Whitaker, Wilma Whitaker, Eltheia Girard, and Susie Potter, one brother Harold Whitaker (2021); several nephews; grandniece; grandson Bradley (2006); Lyle Sr (2013), and daughter Lisa (April 2024).

Betty is survived by her son Lyle Jr; eight sisters Belva MacComb, Marie Vigue, Elaine Brochu, Muriel Michaud, Mary Shaw, Jean Mason, Irene Poulin, Brenda McCamish, four brothers Willard Whitaker, Meldon Whitaker, David Whitaker, and Mike Whitaker; four grandsons David, Connor, Jayden, and Ricky III, and one granddaughter Alina Rodrigue; along with many nieces and nephews; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and cousins.

Graveside services for Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade are handled by Gallant Funeral Home and Mary-Anne MacArthur.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com