Barbara A. Burnham, 90

Barbara (Stearman) Burnham passed away April 26, 2024, at CHI LakeWood Health Center after a short illness. She was born on June 15, 1933, to Albert and Martha Stearman in Kankakee, Illinois. She grew up in Kankakee and went to Kankakee High School.

Throughout her life, Barbara had two main careers. She worked in the retail field in women’s dress shops and gift stores. She also spent time managing an optical fitting store. She enjoyed reading and traveling. She was a member of the Red Hat Society during her years in Baudette.

In 1977, she met Monte Burnham and the two were married later that year. They made their home mostly in several cities in southern Illinois. Barbara and Monte enjoyed visiting Lake of the Woods, where they had a cabin along the Rainy River. The two retired in 2003 and built a home next to their cabin north of Baudette and made that their permanent home for their retirement years.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 47 years; daughters Cyndy (Scott) Novotny of Casper, WY, and Pam (John) Lakowske of Mt. Horbe, WI, both from a previous marriage; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lillian Salzman, and brother Glen Stearman.

A private family service will be held later this year in her hometown.