Eleanor Maine Burdick went to Heaven on Monday, March 14, 2011. She was 94 and had been living, for several years, at The Carriage House, Westerly, R.I.
She was born in North Stonington, CT on October 7, 1916. Her father, Dr. Thurman P. Maine, was a revered family physician who practiced in North Stonington and Mystic for many years. Her mother, Harriet M. Maine, was the doctor’s partner in life and medicine. Eleanor was predeceased by her sisters, Katherine M. Fribance and Ruth M. Goldsmith and her brother, Richard P. Maine.
She was married to Henry C. Burdick, Jr. on October 1, 1940. After his service during WWII, they moved to Mystic where they were lifelong residents. He passed away on July 30, 1985.
She is survived by her children: The Rev. Henry C. Burdick, III (Kathrine) of Edenton, N.C.; Susan B. Burfoot, of Mystic; Jonathan M Burdick (Pauline), of Gales Ferry; and Jeremy R. Burdick, of Mystic. She will be missed enormously by her grandchildren: Daniel and Laura Burfoot, Jillian B. Puzzo, Rebecca M. Burdick and Lauren B. Nichols. Benjamin and Natalie Puzzo are her great-grandchildren.
She graduated from Smith College in 1937 and worked as a social worker, with an emphasis on child welfare, for the state.
Beginning in the 1960’s, she developed an abiding passion and commitment to the cause of justice and peace for the people of Palestine.
There will be a graveside service at Elm Grove Cemetery, 197 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 19, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The New London Meal Center, Inc., 12 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT 06320 or to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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