Obituaries

BURNHAM, June Mary (nee Sloss)

June 1, 1932 - March 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of June Mary Burnham, aged 92, who peacefully passed away on March 7, 2025. June was born on June 1, 1932, on Manitoulin Island, ON, to her loving parents, Mary Margaret Matheson and David Sloss. She grew up surrounded by nature’s beauty alongside her siblings - Murdock, Angus, Annie, Robert, Albert, and Jim - an upbringing that instilled in her a lifelong love for art, travel, and adventure.

June’s warm spirit and boundless energy touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a woman of great strength and character, whose journey took her across Canada, eventually settling in Vancouver, BC and the Lower Mainland. There, she raised five lively and wonderful children: Paul Davidson, Sean Davidson (Diane), John Davidson (Cindy), Nancy Davidson (Brian), and Ronald Davidson (Paula).

Later in life, June met Ross Burnham, and together they built a fantastic life filled with travel, adventure, and shared passions. Ross brought immense joy into June’s world, and their years together were filled with laughter, companionship, and a deep appreciation for each other. During this time, she also embraced her two stepchildren, Laurie (Glenn) and Neil, adding to the expansive family she so cherished.

Family was at the heart of everything June did. She adored being a grandmother and great-grandmother and took immense joy in watching her family grow. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her love, wisdom, and adventurous spirit.

Beyond her family, June had a passion for giving back to her community. She worked with the Royal City Gogos, a group dedicated to supporting grandmothers in Africa, using her exceptional sewing skills to create beautiful bags for sale. The funds raised through these bags helped provide vital support to these grandmothers, reflecting June’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

In addition to her charitable efforts, June was an artist at heart. She founded her own silk painting business, where she expressed her creativity through vibrant colours and intricate designs. She found joy in her artistic endeavours and in sharing her talents with others.

June’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the love she shared, and the memories she created. She was truly a light in this world, a woman whose kindness, generosity, and zest for life will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Royal City Gogos (Reference organization Royal City Gogos G2G donation #111308), bit.ly/RoyalCityGogos, or the Central Okanagan Hospice House, hospicehousekelowna.com, in her honour.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Unity of New Westminster (1630 Edinburgh St, New Westminster, BC V3M 2W8).

June’s love, joy, and artistry will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com