Louise Mary Burnham

Louise M. Burnham (nee Zierk), Ocala, FL, passed away at home with family by her side on
February 18, 2024. She was 96. Beloved wife for nearly 70 years to the late
Richard G.“Dick” Burnham.  Louise was born September 1,1927 in Chicago,IL, to Walter and
Cecelia (Bunn) Zierk and was the oldest of 6 siblings.

Louise and Dick raised their family first in Meadowdale and then LaGrange Park.
 During this time she also built a decades long professional career in retail sales first with
 Charles A. Stevens and eventually retiring from Macys.

Louise was an amazing mother who adored her family and cherished time spent with them.
 She loved to host holiday gatherings using her best china and linens.
She was caring and deeply generous. She never missed an opportunity  to send a card or gift.
In 1982 they relocated to Georgia. They enjoyed traveling to visit family, national monuments,
national and state parks. Louise was an accomplished seamstress and quilter;
extraordinary cook, and an avid reader with a passion for mystery novels.
They both enjoyed a lifelong hobby of attending flea markets and collecting antiques
which they lovingly showcased in their homes. In 2006 Louise and Dick settled in Ocala Florida. They never tired of enjoying the fresh air and chatting with neighbors on their daily golf cart rides. Sometimes bringing the cat along.
She had lifetime love of animals. And enjoyed fostering numerous cats and kittens.

 Louise is survived by 5 children, Patti (Philip) DiGrazia, Charles “Tom” Burnham (Kira Burke),
Dennis Burnham, Genevieve (Glenn) Stocks, and Bonnie Burnham, 9 grandchildren,
27 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her adored son James Burnham,
 her cherished grandchildren Dena Williams, Jolene Burnham, and Clayton Stocks,
and dear siblings Josephine Cleff, Robert and Donald Zierk.

A graceful, loving and compassionate lady,  she will be truly missed by all and forever in our hearts.

It is the family’s wish that donations or contributions be made “In memory of Louise Burnham”
to Quality of Life Rehab and Foster, PO Box 142, Ocala, FL 34478 Info: 352-843-6858

Sunday May 12, 2024 a Celebration of Life will be held in Georgia location TBD
Monday May 13, 2024 Interment at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA. at 12:30 pm