Janet Burnham McEacharn

South Portland, ME- Janet Burnham McEacharn, 87, of South Portland, Maine, formerly of Hilton Head Island, SC and West Springfield, MA, passed away at her home on July 31, 2024. She had been the loving wife of Roscoe (Ross) McEacharn for more than 66 years.

Born in East Florenceville, New Brunswick Canada, the second child and eldest daughter of the late Harry and Margaret (McKay) Burnham, she graduated from East Florenceville High School in 1954. Following her high school graduation, she attended Fredericton, New Brunswick Teachers College and taught in the public school systems in Canterbury, New Brunswick and St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

Janet married her husband in East Florenceville on August 28, 1957. During the first 10 years of marriage, Janet and Ross lived in several Connecticut communities. It was during those years, 2 sons, Alan Harry in November 1958, and Joseph Ross in 1961, were born. In 1962, Janet and Ross settled in Southington CT where Janet resumed teaching in the public schools and made many lifelong friendships.

She was active in Grace Methodist Church and in various activities with other young wives and mothers.

In 1967, Janet obtained U.S. citizenship.

In 1968, Janet moved to West Springfield, MA, where she lived until moving in 2002 to Hilton Head Island, SC. While in West Springfield, Janet revived her academic interests and attended Westfield State University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in 1974 and a Masters Degree in 1985. She taught Economics and Government for 17 years at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, MA and later served as an Economics Adjunct Professor at Springfield Technical Community College. During this entire period, Janet continued her education, completing advanced graduate studies at local colleges and universities, including Holy Cross, Williams, AIC and UMASS.

Janet was a devout Christian and participated in bible studies and church activities throughout her life.

She enjoyed biking, hiking, western style square dancing, aerobic exercises, and travels with Ross throughout the U.S. and Canada and several trips to European destinations. She so very much cherished the time at theorem painting and ceramics with the Westfield gang. Above all, Janet cultivated her friendships with several former students and took great pride watching them grow and raise families.

Failing health in the late 1990s prompted, in 2002, a move to Hilton Head Island, SC. There she joined St. Andrews by the Sea UMC and as health allowed, attended many of the church activities and coveted family-like relationships with fellow members. While living in Hilton Head Island, Janet's summer months were spent in Cumberland Foreside, ME. There she enjoyed the comradery of the other condo owners and the joyous privilege of living near family in Maine, New Hampshire, and New Brunswick.

In 2019, Janet and Ross moved to South Portland, ME to live full time near family.

Besides her husband Ross, Janet is survived by her son Alan and wife Janet, her son Joe and wife Mary, 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Libby Burnham, her sister-in law Alice Burnham, and her brother-in law Rodney Gould. Additionally, she is survived by several nephews and nieces living in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

Beside her parents, Janet was pre-deceased by her brother William Burnham, her sisters Lynne Burnham and Suzanne Burnham, and sister-in-law Annie (McEacharn) Riddell.

A Graveside service will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Andrew by the Sea UMC, 20 Pope Ave., Hilton Head, SC 29928.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Janet’s online guest book.

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