Leslie Burnham, 79, Vermont Artist and Florist Dies

Leslie Jo Adams Burnham Dies at 79

Leslie Jo Adams Burnham passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, just eight days after her 79th birthday, The Denver Post reported. Born in Flint, Michigan, on October 13, 1947, to Burnell “Bernie” and Bette Adams, she built a life centered around art, family, and community traditions.

Education and Artistic Career in Vermont

Burnham graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1969 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics. As a talented artist and floral designer, she taught art to children, worked as a florist, and eventually opened The Village Florist of Stowe in Stowe, Vermont. She later continued working in the floral industry with Green Mountain Floral Supply.

She married Charles D. Burnham in 1969, and the couple welcomed their son, Chad. In 1973, they moved from California to Montpelier, Vermont, before later settling in Stowe.

Life in Denver and Devotion to Family

In 2008, Burnham retired and moved to Denver, Colorado, to be near her granddaughter, Molly. For 17 years, she remained a constant presence in Molly’s life, helping with school routines, volunteering in classrooms, and sharing her artistic talents with students.

She delighted in creating corsages and bouquets, tending her garden, making handmade cards, and reading murder mysteries. Burnham was especially known for her Christmas cinnamon rolls, which she lovingly made for family and friends each year, even hosting cinnamon roll-making parties to share the tradition.

Family Members Preserve Holiday Traditions After Loss

Burnham’s sister, Courtney Rae Adams, and her parents, Bernie and Bette, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son, Chad D. Burnham, who is married to Jennifer Barton; her brother, Scott H. Adams, who is married to Suzi Wertz; and her granddaughter, Molly C. Burnham.

Her family will continue her treasured holiday traditions in her memory.