Dr Rhoda K. Burnham

Early Feminist,

Devoted Mother

Dr Rhoda K. Burnham, 93, of Weston, died peacefully, January 7, surrounded by loved ones. She was born August 20, 1917, in New York, and grew up in Monticello, N.Y. She was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Smith College in 1939. 

She is survived by three of her children, including Mary Burnham, and her husband Jack Bestor, of Sandy Hook. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr Michael S. Burnham, and daughter, Katherine Burnham. Eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive Mrs Burnham.

In 1941 she received a master’s from Columbia University, and her PhD in clinical psychology from New York University in 1957. She was one of the first licensed clinical psychologists in Connecticut. In August 2010 she closed her 50-year practice in Westport. She served as secretary on the Connecticut Psychological Association and was a member of the Connecticut State Board of Examiners of Psychology.

Dr Burnham was an active member of the Jane Austen Society for many years. She had an extensive collection of early female authors and conducted a monthly book group for antiquarian book lovers. She was an early and ardent feminist who lived her beliefs by being a professional and also an involved, hands-on mother, raising four children.

One could always count on her to have an opinion on the goings on in Washington and on the state of the Mets. A lover of good food and wine, she was also devoted to the arts, enjoying regular trips to theater, ballet, opera, and any “feel-good” movies. She liked happy endings.

She loved to laugh at herself, as much as anything else, in spite of the fact that she never “got” jokes. Extremely enthusiastic about life, she was always open to new experiences, especially when her grandchildren were involved.

There will be a memorial service at the Unitarian Church in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Saturday, January 22, at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dr Susan Love Research Foundation, 2811 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Santa Monica CA 90403 or www.dslrf.org.

The Newtown Bee        January 14, 2011