Obituary of Joyce F. (McGrath) Burke

Joyce F. (McGrath) Burke, 80, wife of Francis W. Burke of Peabody, died Friday, February 15, 2008 at the Kindred Hospital in Peabody after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Burke was born on November 15, 1927, in Somerville, daughter of the late Gerald and Sarah E. (Burrill) McGrath. She was raised in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English High School Class of 1945. She resided in Lynn before moving to Peabody 42 years ago. After raising her family, Mrs. Burke was employed for 20 years as an L.P.N. at Danvers State Hospital until her retirement in the early 1980’s. She devoted her entire life to her family and later to her 6 grandchildren. She and her husband traveled extensively in their motor home throughout the United States and parts of Canada and also enjoyed camping for many years. As a hobby she loved knitting. In addition to her husband with whom she shared 55 years of marriage, she is survived by her children and their spouses, Marilyn J. and Ronald Kocur of Peabody, Bonnie A. Carbone of Moultonboro NH, Michael F. and Kimberly Burke of Peabody; a sister, Geraldine Hynes of Peabody; her grandchildren, Ronald and Jennifer Kocur, Daniel Kocur, Shannah Burke, Jeffery Burke all of Peabody, Benjamin Carbone and Amy Carbone both of NH; a former son-in-law, Thomas Carbone of NH and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., (new location) Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Cremation will follow services. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association, Boston Office, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.