Christina Marie Burnett, of Winthrop, died Monday, March 23 in UVM Hospital, Burlington, VT. She is survived by her parents, Dale and Irene (Daby) Burnett, sisters Luella (Tom) Windt of Fort Mill, SC and Molly (Lincoln) Tatro of Hopkinton; brothers Bryan (Ginny) Burnett of Winthrop, Derek (Sophia) Burnett of Salisbury, NC, and Jonathan (Nichelle) Burnett of Winthrop. She is lovingly remembered by uncles and aunts: Arthur and Wanda Burnett of Wolcott, NY, Andy and Ruth Burnett of Potsdam, Allen and Sandy Daby of Colton, Virginia Daby of Florida, and her special aunt, Diane Crump of Potsdam. She also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins and a world of friends.

Chrissy was born with Down Syndrome on June 13, 1978. Her education began long before she attended school, as teachers through the Early Intervention program came to her home to help her develop needed skills. Later, she attended many of the local schools, including Madrid-Waddington, Norwood-Norfolk, Potsdam, and St. Lawrence Central -- wherever the BOCES special education class for her level was taught in any given year. Her high school years were spent at St. Lawrence Central, where she worked in the cafeteria and was known and loved by students and her "cafeteria lady" friends. She graduated with an IEP diploma in 1999 and began working in Massena at the ARC sheltered workshop, continuing there for many years until the funding for the program was withdrawn. From then until a couple of weeks ago, she attended Massena Dayhab. She quickly made friends everywhere she went and loved them unreservedly.

Her favorite hobby was coloring. She was meticulous and creative, often working on a picture with a particular recipient in mind to whom she would gift her artwork with a huge smile and a hug. She loved taking family road trips, always eager to go, but equally glad to get home. Family singalongs brought her great joy, especially around a campfire. She spent many hours enjoying her pool and swam as if she'd been born in the water. Church was important to her; she enjoyed fellowshipping with her church family and often bore her testimony of her love for the Savior. She served in various capacities in the congregation over the years: church photographer, greeter, librarian, and others. She loved karate, dancing, riding her horse, and spending time with her family - especially enjoying "three sisters" time with Luella and Molly.

About five years ago, she developed Alzheimer's and began losing her abilities and interests one after another. Even then, she continued to exhibit a sense of humor and a loving spirit, sharing her hugs with everyone.

Arrangements are with Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop with calling hours there on Monday, March 30 from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00. Funeral to be held Tuesday, March 31 at 11:00, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21 Castle Drive, Potsdam. A potluck luncheon will follow. Flowers will be gratefully accepted, but for those who prefer, donations may be made in Chrissy's memory to the ARC. Donations will support the martial arts program at the ARC Jefferson-St. Lawrence, and other enrichment activities at its Massena Day Program Building. Checks may be made payable to The ARC JSLC Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 41, Watertown, NY, 13601.(https://www.thearcjslc.org/)

Those attending services are invited - but not obligated - to wear red or pink, Chrissy's favorite colors.