Nichole Ilene Burnham

Nichole Ilene Burnham, 41 of Shaftsbury, VT, passed away at her home with her family by her side on January 15, 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer. Niki was born in Bennington on October 3, 1981 She married Jason Burnham in Bennington on December 31, 2005. Niki was educated in Bennington Schools. She attended St. Joseph’s College in Rutland and then graduated with degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Linfield University in McMinnville, OR. Niki was a kindergarten teacher in Bennington Schools for over twenty years. Niki was an advocate for all children and was able to change children’s worlds with her own two hands. She taught with natural ease and understanding, mentored colleagues, was a foster parent with an already full house, hosted special needs orphans from China whom she found families for in the United States and always advocated for her students and their families. Niki ran several fund raisers and worked tirelessly bringing her daughter Lucy home from South Korea, saying “God put her in my heart, I have to do this”. The list of actual children sponsored in third world countries is extensive. Niki was a testimony of working for a greater future. Niki is survived by her husband, Jason, of Shaftsbury; her five beloved children; Jackson, Madelyn, Lucy, Charlotte and Fletcher Burnham all of Shaftsbury, VT, her mother and step-father Susan and Lester “Skip” Prue of Bennington, her brother, Kirk Kehoe of Holyoke, MA. her Aunt and Uncle Michelle and Jim Kehoe of Temecula, CA, her Aunt and Uncle Kathleen and John Runner of Pecos, NM, and their families. Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Thursday January 19 from 5-7 pm. A short prayer service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours. If friends desire contributions in Niki’s memory may be made to Cancer Center Community Crusaders through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net