Janet Burke Dunham 83, died Saturday, December 18, in Greenwich, CT, lovingly surrounded by her sons Corydon and Christopher Dunham. She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Corydon Bushnell Dunham Jr. Janet grew up in Larchmont N.Y. and West Springfield, MA. The daughter of Henry Nugent Burke and Victoria Schappert Burke. She was predeceased by her sister, Victoria Burke Lynn. Her brother, James Nugent Burke, resides in Dennis, MA and Vero Beach, FL. Her sister, Judith Burke Putalik, lives in Naples, FL. Many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews remain.
Upon Janet’s graduation from Marywood College with a Bachelor degree in theatre, she was engaged by WWLP T.V. to host Romper Room School as Miss Janet, where she was featured with six children live, five days a week. When asked by a friend, “how could you do live television with six children?” She responded at “twenty-two you can do anything” and the children were so effusive and fun that it never crossed her mind to be afraid. She followed this with working for KLM Airlines for whom she produced a film introducing the ABC island, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao to the American public. Before marrying Cory she was the director of Advertising and Public Relations for Mr. Thompson Sportswear.
Janet resumed her career after marrying Cory, as the Director of Public Relations at Bloomingdales in Stamford, CT. She affirms that she received her unofficial MBA from an unique and profound business environment. Janet resumed her career in theatre by receiving her Masters in Fine Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. She then assisted Laura Pels in the creation of The Laura Pels International Foundation for Theatre where she served as the Executive Director until her retirement. She continued as the Vice President of the Board of Directors. Laura and Janet refer to the Foundation as the child they birthed together. The Foundation is noted for being one of the most significant underwriters of not-for-profit theatre in New York and London. It continues today under Laura Pels’s leadership. Janet would always remark that it was the most exhilarating and fulfilling experience of her professional career. Janet acknowledged that the love and support from her husband, Cory, and sons Corydon and Christopher, along with the family dog Beauregard, made it possible for Janet to pursue her endeavors for which she is lovingly grateful. Due to the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic, a celebration will be postponed until March or April, 2022. Please refer to Janetburkedunham@gmail.com for information.
