Obituary of Debra L. Burnham

Debra L. Burnham, 58, of Penn Yan, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Plattsburgh, New York on November 4, 1963 the daughter of Paul S. and Karen J. (Mungall) Nissen. Debra served with the United States Air Force from 1981-1985. Deb had a life long career in transportation. She served as the transportation director for the Yates Arc, Arc of Steuben, Hornell City School District, and most recently for the Waterloo and Seneca Falls School Districts. Deb had a great passion for life and love for her family. She loved gardening, being outdoors, hunting, fishing and riding the Gator. She enjoyed watching good movies, crocheting and painting her nails. She is survived by her husband of 10 years, Chad Burnham; daughter, Deanna (Ricky) Simpson of Penn Yan; son, Anthony (Cassie) Gleason of Farmington; her mother, Karen Nissen of Penn Yan; sister, Deanna Nissen of Canandaigua; brother, Daniel (Bonnie) Nissen of Dundee; four grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Paul Nissen. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 2-4 pm at Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan. Her memorial service will follow at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center-UR Medicine, Be the Match donor program, American Red Cross-Blood Drive, Hope Lodge Hospitality House in Rochester, Yates County Veterans Services, Hope Walk of Yates County, Thrive to Survive in Geneva or The Living Well.