Catherine Ann Burnham

Provo, UT – Catherine Ann Burnham, 74, of Provo, UT, passed away on November 20, 2024, at her home. Born on May 29, 1950, in Norwood, Massachusetts to Russell Conrad Burnham and Ruth McNary Burnham (both deceased), she was an amazing, talented, bright and feisty aunt to Russell James Steward (Maria) and Kyra Michelle Raimey (Harry) and great aunt to Isaiah Harrison Raimey, Russell Jordan Steward, Gabrielle Ruth Raimey and Noah James Raimey.

After moving to Houston, Texas from Norwood, Massachusetts, Catherine was raised with her sister and only sibling, Roberta Louise Steward of Fairfield, Ohio, by Ruth in Urbana, Illinois, upon the passing of her father. Catherine attended Urbana schools from elementary to secondary levels, graduating from Urbana High School in 1967, where she maintained her place on the honor roll and sang in the a cappella choir. 

After high school, Catherine graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising in the Clothing and Textiles Department. She earned a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Learning, also from Brigham Young University, and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Catherine was very successful in her teaching career at Ricks College, currently named Brigham Young University Idaho, and Brigham Young University, which she did for over 30 years. At BYU she taught first in the Clothing and Textiles Department, and then in the School of Family Life. She was competent, dedicated to her profession, and loved working with the students. Catherine set very high standards for herself and her students. She was instrumental in revamping several programs and classes. Catherine was recognized for her excellence in teaching as exemplified when she won the prestigious Karl G Maeser Teaching Award from the University. Many of her former students continued their friendship with Catherine throughout the years.

Catherine was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served her ward and stake members in many capacities. Her favorite was ministering to the Sisters and teaching Gospel Doctrine, which she did for many years. She was also an avid family history researcher. She did family history for many members of her family and served for many years in the Church Family History Center helping others. Temple attendance was also a big part of Catherine’s life. 

Catherine had many friends and loved ones throughout her lifetime. She was passionate about serving and helping others. She spent many hours in her sewing room creating beautiful clothes for herself and others. She loved creating and all things textiles. She also had a love for travelling and exploring new countries. She travelled with friends and different tour groups. She especially loved her trip to Israel that she took many years ago. She’s also been to South America, Africa, Europe, and many cities in this country. You could always find Catherine on a Saturday in the Fall watching BYU football and cheering them on. She was a true-blue Cougar fan!

Catherine cherished her family, loved her community, and she was an incredible role model and phenomenal human. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 131 South 1600 West, Provo, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the services at the church. Her final resting place will be Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana, Illinois. 

Condolences will may be expressed to the family on this page.