Eileen C. Burke

Eileen C. (Connolly) Burke, age 89, a long-time resident of Lawrence, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, with her loving family at her side. She was the wife of the late John F. Burke with whom she shared forty-eight wonderful years of marriage.

Born, raised, and educated in Lawrence, Eileen was the daughter of the late Edward and Cecilia (Sullivan) Connolly. Following graduation from St. Patrick High School, she went on to graduate from the Burdett Secretarial School in Boston. She then began working at Lawrence City Hall where she met and eventually married the love of her life, John. The two were so happy together, settled in Lawrence, and started their family. Unfortunately, John was taken far too soon, only forty-eight years into their marriage. Eileen remained focused on her family, as family was what mattered most to her. Always there for her six children, Eileen loved to make sure they were happy and that their home was inviting to family and friends. She most enjoyed days when the family were at home, especially during the holidays. But, by far, their summer home in Salisbury, MA was the most cherished place to go as a family, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and most importantly, the family and friends that were ever present. Her grandchildren and later great-grandchildren meant the world to her and she was so proud of them. Eileen was also a member of the Ladies Sodality at St. Patrick Parish.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Dan, Edward “Bud”, Joseph, and Margaret “Peg” Connolly.
Eileen is survived by her six children, Cecilia K. Blais, Myles E. Burke and his wife, Patricia, Eileen M. Burke and her husband, James Barbagallo, Thomas J. Burke and his wife, Ruthie, John F. Burke, Jr., and his wife, Robin, and Edward P. Burke and his fiancée, Jen. In addition, she leaves behind her adored seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 15, 2019, at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Parish, 118 South Broadway in Lawrence. Burial will follow in St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. Donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.