Eileen C. Burnham

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen (Coughlin) Burnham, beloved mother of Maureen Rodgers of Old Saybrook, Patricia Rodgers of Ellington and Gigi Tappan of Pembroke, MA, who passed away peacefully at the age of 98 at Yale New Haven Hospital on May 10, 2025 after a sudden illness.

A proud mother of three girls, Eileen was a strong, independent woman who provided love and support to Maureen, Patty and Gigi throughout their lives, and they are forever grateful to her.

Eileen was born on September 25, 1926 to Mary Ann (Flannery) Coughlin and Martin J. Coughlin who were Irish immigrants. Her siblings, James M. Coughlin, Gerald L. Coughlin and Lillian M. Hanley, predeceased her.

Eileen attended Southwest Grammar School and Bulkeley High School in Hartford. Attending the Class of 1944 reunions brought Eileen much joy. After graduation, Eileen attended Hillyer College but opted to go to work at Aetna Life Insurance Company to start earning money instead of completing her college education. Prior to her retirement, Eileen worked for 10 years at the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation.

In 1978, Eileen married Robert (Bud) Burnham after meeting him at a wedding where he asked her to dance, and the rest is history. Eileen enjoyed being a farmer’s wife working at the Burnham Farm Stand selling vegetables on Main Street in East Hartford. Her friends and extended family especially enjoyed her “famous” whiskey cake and mint brownies. Eileen and Bud enjoyed spending time at their condo at Sterling Village in Boynton Beach, Florida until Bud’s passing in 2004. At Sterling Village Eileen served as President of the Arts and Crafts Club, played bocce, sang in the Sterling Village Chorus and enjoyed walking up and down the intercoastal walkway trying to get her 2,000 steps in at age 98.

Eileen was a Charter Member of the East Hartford Women’s Democratic Club and was a Life Member of the Irish American Home Society.

Eileen enjoyed her three trips to Ireland where she visited her aunts, uncles and many cousins. She celebrated many of her birthdays with her daughters with special trips that included New York City, Niagara Falls, and Charleston.

In addition to her three girls, Eileen leaves to mourn her passing three grandchildren: Gregory W. Tappan, Brianna L. Marchioni and her husband, Michael, and Alyssa M. Tappan. She also leaves Paul Klager, her nieces and nephews and their spouses: Maryann and Jeff Lindquist, Kathleen Hanley, Thomas Hanley, Jr., Joanne and David White, Donald W. House, Jr., and Rosemary and Alain Munkittrick.

Eileen was fortunate to live a long and healthy life. She enjoyed her weekly setback nights, attending political functions and all of the activities at the East Hartford Senior Center with her wonderful friend, Dolores Kehoe, who provided friendship to Eileen and her family. Her family is also forever grateful to Donna and David Burnham of East Hartford for looking out for Eil over the years that she lived next door to them on Old Main Street.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT. A Mass of a Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM at North American Martyrs Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Those who are attending the funeral are requested to go directly to the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eileen’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com