Kathleen Page Burnett

Kathleen Page Burnett, 95, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Knox, New York, on June 30, 2018. Born to Carl and Edith (Morse) Page, Kay was raised, with her sister Virginia, in Jacksonville, Vermont-which was always "home". She graduated from Whitingham High School in 1940. In 1941, she married her high school sweetheart, Nelson (Stub) Burnett, a happy union that lasted for 46 years. Kay and Stub had two daughters, Zenith Rae and Avis Anne. Kay was interested in her community and found diverse ways to contribute. She donated gallons of blood and for ten years headed the canteen which fed donors. She held every administrative office in Jacksonville Community Church at least once, sang in the choir, wrote a history of the church, spearheaded fundraisers to support the church and help build the Sunday School, started the Hospitality Committee and even preached when asked! She and Stub were active in the church-affiliated Couples Club, in which she played many roles, her favorite being creating interesting and humorous programs. She co-chaired the annual Game Supper for 15 years. Kay used her knack for leadership and organizing, combined with her interest in music and performing, to create and produce several variety show fundraisers for the Lion's Club and local families. In 1976, she and Stub co-chaired the Whitingham Old Home Week. In the mid-80's, Kay discovered another passion: being her own show! She created the character of "Aunt Effie", a daft old woman in her late 80's who "tells it like it is". Aunt Effie was invited to roast many townspeople on festive occasions, and retired only when Kay's actual age came close to Aunt Effie's. In 1992, she started the weekly Breakfast Club for women. Kay moved from Jacksonville to Knox, NY, in 2002 to be closer to her other life's passion: her family. She was very proud of her role as elder of five generations. Kay was a unique individual who, while enjoying the simple things in life, delighted in finding ways to laugh and bring a smile to others' faces. Her leadership and organizational abilities benefited many organizations. She took good care of her family and found numerous ways to take care of others in her community. She left her special mark on the world, which is a better place because of her. Her identity was as a Vermont Yankee, which she claimed proudly. She will be laid to rest next to Stub in Sadagwa Cemetery, in Whitingham, Vermont, with a private ceremony. Kay is survived by daughters Zenith Burnett Gladieux and husband Russell of Berne, NY, and Avis Burnett of Rexford, NY; granddaughter Nicole Gladieux and husband Daniel Richmond, of Altamont, NY; great granddaughter Aja and husband Ian Young of Woodside, NY; great grandson Cal Richmond-Gladieux and wife Kristina and great great grandchildren Makenzie and Gabriel of Berne, NY. A Celebration of Kay's Life will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 12:30 - 4 at her former home, the current Candlelight B&B, located on Route 100 in Jacksonville, VT. A buffet lunch will be served starting at 1 PM. At 2:30, there will be a short program honoring Kay's life. In keeping with Kay's life philosophy, come to eat and enjoy stories and memories, and, please, feel free to bring any pictures or stories you might care to share. Contributions in Kay's memory may be made to the Jacksonville Community Church or the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT. 05363. A Celebration of Kay's Life will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018, from 12:30 - 4 at her former home, the current Candlelight B&B, located on Route 100 in Jacksonville, VT. A buffet lunch will be served starting at 1 PM. At 2:30, there will be a short program honoring Kay's life. In keeping with Kay's life philosophy, come to eat and enjoy stories and memories, and, please, feel free to bring any pictures or stories you might care to share.