Martha Jean Burton

May 27, 1949 – June 30, 2024

Martha Jean Burton, 75, of Orleans passed peacefully in her sleep at St. Albans Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on June 30th, 2024. Special thanks go out to this facility for all of the kindness and compassion show to Martha during her stay. She spoke of you all fondly.

Martha was born in Newport, Vt to Rachel (Poutre) and Percy Sylvester. She repeatedly reminisced of a wonderful childhood living on Water Street. She attended Orleans graded school and graduated from Sacred Heart High School.  She received her LPN nursing degree and spent most of her adult years in the Lebanon/Hanover NH area working in private health care.

Martha married Stephen Burton in 1971 and was married to him for 50 years. Stephen predeceased her in October of 2021. Martha missed him terribly. Martha was an avid crafter. Her and Steve spent many hours crafting wooden projects together. Martha's greatest talent was her beautiful counted-cross stitching works of art. She created masterpieces.  She also enjoyed genealogy.  She and Steve traveled far and wide visiting family and gathering information on the Poutre/Sylvester clans. She assembled many scrapbooks full of pictures, history and family trees.

Martha traveled religiously for many years every week from Hanover to spend 2 days a week with Rachel up until her passing in 2010. They enjoyed being together, baking, Dollar Store outings and trips to Ames craft department. Martha and Steve then moved back to the family home on Water Street and loved living there amongst life long and much-loved neighbors and friends. Most special was her lifelong best friend Mary Wood and her husband Ed and David and Diane Royer.

Martha Jean was much loved by her friends and family. She was always kind and caring. Her and Steve were always joking and making people laugh. It was always exciting times when Aunt Martha and Uncle Steve came to town. Traditions I made with them during my childhood continued into my children's lives too. Barton Fair visits were every year for 20+ years! She was very special to me. It was an honor and privilege to care for her the last 4 years of her life as her health slowly declined. She always wore a smile, never complained once, even though I knew she was hurting.  We enjoyed each other's company while out shopping, attending appointments, going to lunch or just out for a drive around scenic Vermont looking for a new ice-cream shop. We were always giggling and our times spent together were fun. Before I left her to go home, I would always hug and kiss her and tell her I loved her. She would always reply "I love you more," which brought a back and forth of who loved who more! We always agreed we loved each other equally and called it even.

So, Martha, rest in peace with Uncle and Grammy and I'll end with the final go around…."I love you more."

A small memorial will be planned later this fall. Martha cared deeply about donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and always sent them something several times a year. She expressed to me before she started to decline that she would like to donate to them upon her passing. If interested, on Martha's behalf, send the Hospital a donation in remembrance of Martha.

Written by Martha's niece Belynda Lussier