Janet Prentice Burnham - Cremation Society of Virginia

Janet Prentice Burnham

September 7, 1938 - April 7, 2026

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church

1968 Sandbridge Rd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

7574262180 |

Friday 5/15, 11:00 am

Janet Prentice Burnham, 87, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Born to Irving and Dorothy Prentice, she dedicated thirty years of her life to safely transporting children as a beloved school bus driver, touching countless young lives with her caring spirit. Janet’s infectious laughter and love of dancing around the house brought joy to everyone who knew her.

She shared sixty-one beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Roger E. Burnham Sr. Janet was predeceased by her parents, Irving and Dorothy Prentice; her devoted husband, Roger E. Burnham Sr.; her cherished daughter, Paula M. Burnham; her sisters Deanna Prentice and Patsy Bostick; and her brothers Irving and Michael.

Her loving spirit lives on through her daughters, Pam Walizer (Ross) and Lisa Craft (Frank); her son, Roger E. Burnham Jr. (Miriam Zerr); her grandchildren, Jared Craft, Mallory Bowles (Zach), Frank Craft III, Benjamin Burnham, and Jackson Burnham; her great-grandchildren, Frankie Bowles and Wilder Craft; and her sister Maureen Pinsonnault (John).

A memorial mass will be conducted at 11am, Friday, May 15, 2026 at Saint John’s the Apostle Roman Catholic Church located at 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456. Those wishing to share their fondest memories and condolences can do so on the Cremation Society of Virginia website. Janet’s warmth, dedication, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of laughter, love, and service will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

Cremation Society of Virginia

David Porter

Martha Bowman

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St. John the Apostle Catholic Church

1968 Sandbridge Rd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

7574262180 | Map

Friday 5/15, 11:00 am

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I was so saddened to hear of Janet’s passing. I first met Janet and Roger years ago at Picasso’s Hair Salon, where they would come in for haircuts. They were always so friendly, and I truly looked forward to seeing them. Later, I discovered that we attended the same church, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, and Janet welcomed me to sit with her, Roger, and their wonderful group of friends at the 5:00 Mass. She made going to church fun. Janet always had a great story to tell — about growing up in New Orleans, her family, her jobs, and life in general. She had such a joyful spirit and a way of making people feel welcome and included. Although I haven’t seen her in years, I thought of her often. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who loved her. Fly high, sweet lady.

To Roger: I so saddened by the loss of your mother. I consider you a dear friend even thought we don’t talk regularly, The bond we created in high school on the tennis team in particular cannot be broken. And drinking ice cold Mr. Pibb or Dr. Pepper was delightful. I hope to see you soon at a lunch or dinner and I will make every effort to attend your mom’s funeral. I love you my brother! Paul Crigger

Rest in peace. Condolences to he family.

In memory of Janet Prentice Burnham, Martha Bowman lit a candle

To Pam, Lisa, and Roger Jr.: I was so deeply saddened to hear about your mother’s passing. I lived down the street from Janet (and Roger) for many years, where I often saw her walking her beloved dog Penelope. After introducing ourselves, we soon became “porch buddies,” sharing many daily chats and much laughter on the front porch. Janet was so warm and lively, and she had a knack for taking even the worst situations and turning them into hilarious stories. She was not only a wonderful neighbor, but became a very dear friend to me. After I moved out of state, we kept in touch regularly by phone and cards, but it was never the same as our “porch buddy” days. I miss you, Janet and Penelope. I hope you have found each other. With heartfelt sympathy, Martha Bowman

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.