WINDHAM – Hannah Putnam Burbank, 88, died peacefully May 28, 2007, with her family at home, after a brief illness. She was born March 1, 1919, in Houlton, the daughter of Arthur O. and Claire (Pearce) Putnam. Hannah left Houlton in 1937 to attend Colby College, where she met her future husband, Bernerd. She graduated from Colby in 1941 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned her masters in social work from Simmons College, Boston, in 1944. On her birthday in March 1946, Hannah accepted a marriage proposal from Bernerd who was still in Europe immediately after World War II. They were married on Bernerd’s July 12th birthday, six days after he returned. Hannah and Bernerd had three children while living in South Portland. In 1955, they moved to Bronxville, N.Y. Their fourth child was born in 1959. Hannah enjoyed a long professional career as a psychiatric social worker, dedicating it to children and adolescents in need. Her work included adoption placement for The Home for Little Wanderers, Boston; investigative work for Child Protective Services of Westchester County, N.Y.; and she devoted the last 15 years of her professional career as a social worker for the Mammaroneck, N.Y., school system. Her calm and reassuring presence earned her the love and respect of her staff and colleagues, and she is remembered by the children and families she helped. Hannah retired in 1987. Hannah and Bernerd moved to Windham in November 2005. Hannah is survived by her husband, Bernerd H. Burbank, M.D., of Windham; two sons, Jonathan of Bidgefield, Conn., and David of Ithaca, N.Y.; one daughter, Jane of New York; nine grandchildren, two brothers, Otis and Mell Putnam, both of Houlton; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Sarah of Windham. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday at Dunn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. A reception will be held after the interment at the home of her brother, Otis Putnam. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Hannah’s memory to the Nickerson Lake Conservation Fund, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
HANNAH PUTNAM BURBANK
