Obituary of Donna Burnham
Donnamaria Theresa Labate Burnham, 76, passed peacefully on January 5, 2025 after bravely enduring a long illness. Family, friends, and coworkers, in person and in spirit, surrounded her with prayers and love as she passed away.
Donna was born in Tucson, AZ. When she was 5 years old her parents returned to Brooklyn, NY, and the family eventually moved to South Plainfield, where she lived for the rest of her life. It was here that Donna and her husband of 52 years, John Burnham, raised their family.
Her entire life was devoted to service. She was the founding president of the Under 21 Club, a youth organization that donated tennis courts to South Plainfield, sponsored dances at the Police Athletic League, and raised money for March of Dimes. Throughout her adult life she supported many charities, including Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Empowering Cuts.
Donna lived to give to others. She was generous, kind, loving, supportive, and hilarious. With a 50-year career at Muhlenberg and JFK hospitals she impacted thousands of lives through her spiritual calling to ease suffering and impart joy and hope. On any given day Donna could be found praying with a patient, offering support to a young nurse, helping former inmates get back on their feet, providing guidance to her family, or creating joy and laughter through her wild antics.
She was a faithful member of Evangel Church in Scotch Plains, and was devoted to ministry. She was a talented artist, loved to swim in her pool, take trips, read, sing, and spend time with her family at home and in Wildwood.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Ernesto and Carmela Labate. She is survived by her husband John, her brother Michael and sister Jacqueline, her children John, Marissa, Marlena, and Jared, her grandchildren Eric, Aubrey, Johnnie, Triston, Journey, and Lilyana, and many nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves behind her JFK 4West family, whom she loved.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4-8pm in the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave, South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
The family will hold a private funeral and burial. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.
A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.