Laura Jean Burnham, 45, of Brewer, Maine, passed away on September 11, 2026, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Laura was a beautiful soul who had a way of making people feel welcome and loved. She was warm, generous, and fiercely loyal to the people she cared about. She gave her whole heart to everyone she loved—and while she welcomed almost everyone with open arms, those who knew her best knew there was also a strong spirit behind that kindness; don’t cross her.

Laura found joy in the simple things in life. She loved writing and journaling, reading, visiting old cemeteries, fishing, and, more recently, discovering the world of foraging. She had a natural curiosity and an appreciation for stories, places, and the little treasures that many people might overlook.

Her love for animals was one of the most unmistakable parts of who Laura was. Horses and dogs held a special place in her heart, but she truly had a soft spot for all of God’s creatures. If an animal needed a home, Laura had a hard time walking away. Her family often joked that she was always adding another member to the clan.

One Mother’s Day, Laura came across two kittens being given away. Rather than simply passing them by, she brought them home and gifted both kittens to her mother, Wendie, because she couldn’t bear to leave them behind. On another occasion, while traveling back to Maine from West Virginia, Laura somehow ended up with two bonus dogs along the way. These stories were so very Laura—her heart simply wouldn’t allow her to leave a creature behind if she believed she could help.

Laura worked in management and caregiving, but some of the roles she treasured most were those of mother and grandmother. She was incredibly proud of her son, Riley S. Soha, and becoming a grandmother brought her immense joy. Her grandchildren, Kaizer G. Soha and Gwen Y. Soha, held a very special place in her heart.

Laura is survived by her son, Riley S. Soha; her grandchildren, Kaizer and Gwen Soha; her father, Larry E. Burnham; her sister, Tonilynne Swartz (Burnham); her nephew, Chase A. Swartz; her niece, Kensley V. Swartz; her partner Jason Crandall, her dear friend Anna LaPoint and many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her mother, Wendie J. Burnham (Brooke).

Laura leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind the imprint of a woman who loved deeply, cared fiercely, and never seemed to have quite enough room in her heart for all the people and animals she wanted to love. Her family will carry with them her stories, her laughter, her stubborn spirit, her compassion, and the countless ways she showed up for those she loved.

Laura’s life will be remembered and celebrated by the people who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life

Visitation will be held on September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home in Winthrop, Maine.

A celebration of Laura’s life will follow from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the gazebo at Maranacook Lake. Family and friends are invited to bring their own lunch and drinks and gather together to share memories and celebrate Laura’s life.

Burial will be private.

In Laura’s memory, those wishing to make a donation may consider supporting Old Dogs New Digs, an organization dedicated to helping senior dogs and Cats. https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, Maine 04364

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, www.khrfuneralhomes.com