Virginia Burnham

Virginia (Hosmer) Burnham reached the end of her wonderful life, surrounded by family on August 23, 2023, at the age of 90.

Born in Westford, Massachusetts on August 12, 1933, Virginia was a lifelong resident of Westford and would often recount and marvel at how the town has changed over the years. It was in Westford where she met her husband, David Burnham. They were married on September 2, 1950, and built their lives together, raising five children. Virginia and David spent so much time doing what they truly enjoyed. Whether it was caring for elder family members or their young grandchildren, opening their home and raising animals of all kinds, working together in their beautiful garden, or enjoying long car rides to destinations both near and far - a visit to Spag’s in Shrewsbury, a trip to Vermont to view the foliage, a seafood dinner at Yoken’s in Portsmouth or enjoying a coffee roll at Skip’s Restaurant in Chelmsford. They enjoyed and appreciated every day that they were together.

Virginia was a lover of plants and her gardens, a trait passed down to her children. She spent this past summer at the home of her daughter, Leah, and son-in-law, Paul, where she spent hours tending to her beautiful flowers as she’d done in her own home many years prior.

Almost nothing brought her more joy than her beloved animals, she was always the favorite person in the room for her pets, and her Maltese, Duncan, was her constant companion. Virginia had a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor which she never lost. She loved to laugh and enjoyed sparring with her grandchildren who lovingly called her Gram.

Virginia will be remembered for the heart she shared with her family as well as the friends of her family that she has met over the years. She truly loved each of them, making each person feel like they were a part of her family. And that feeling was mutual, which is evident by the outpouring of love from all of those that she touched.

She is survived by her five children David Burnham, Patricia Raneri, Mark Burnham, Curtis Burnham, and Leah Lemieux. She leaves behind her grandchildren David, Todd, Michael, Katie, Kilwin, Patrick, Steven, Andrew, Rachel, Thomas, Daniel, Adam, and Caroline; her great-grandchildren Trudy, Olivia, Sophia, and Rowan; as well as her sister, Evelyn Greenwood. She also leaves many other family members including her son and daughters-in-law of past and present, as well as her sweet dog Duncan, who will miss her greatly. Virginia was predeceased by her husband, David Burnham, and her sisters Dorothy Dancosse, and Jean Lamy.

Virginia’s family would like to thank the amazing doctors and nurses at Lowell General and the visiting Hospice nurses, and especially to Celia for their compassionate care during Virginia’s short stay. They would also like to thank all the family and friends for their support, prayers, and far too many treats.

The family will gather privately to celebrate the life of Virginia as per her wishes. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of their choosing.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460 (978)-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com.