Obituary of Sylvia Elizabeth (Pallitta) Burnett

Sylvia Elizabeth (Pallitta) Burnett PEABODY—Sylvia Elizabeth (Pallitta) Burnett, 82, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. She was a devoted and loving wife to Hilton Burnett with whom she shared over 56 years of marriage. Born in Swampscott, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Maria (Santoliquido) Pallitta. She was raised and educated in Swampscott and was a graduate of Swampscott High School, class of 1950. She enjoyed attending many of her class reunions and was a member of the National Honor Society. Prior to raising her family, she worked as a secretary in the drafting office at General Electric Riverworks where she met her future husband. She was devoted to her family and felt blessed for the time spent with them and was so close in heart. She was a founding member of St. Adelaide’s Church and served many years as a lector. She also was a charter member of the Peabody Chapter of AARP and served on several committees. She especially enjoyed being hospitality chairperson. Sylvia loved singing and was a member of the Wakefield Choral Society for over 20 years. Besides music, her other passion was reading. She enjoyed both since elementary school. Other interests were cooking, baking, playing the piano, reading and writing poetry, playing cribbage and dominos with family and friends. She was a big fan of Jeopardy and family type programs, family birthdays and the holidays. She loved decorating her Christmas tree especially with ornaments made by family and friends. She felt a calling to keep in touch with the sick and elderly friends for emotional support. Her two favorite vacation spots were Boothbay Harbor, Maine, in the summer, and in the fall, a foliage trip to Vermont and New Hampshire. A special place to visit was Weston Priory in Vermont. She is survived by her beloved family, Teresa Riley of Peabody, Elizabeth Cordiner and her husband Scott of Danvers, granddaughter, Erin Laskin and her husband Bryan of Danvers and her great grandchildren, Hannah Grace and Camden Wesley Laskin. She also leaves two sisters, Rose DeJoy of FL and Virginia Mongrello of GA, and many extended families a special family friend Peter Santamaria and also many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Anthony Pallitto and Nicholas Pallitta, three sisters, Antonetta Videtta, Prudence Giordano, and Mary Frances Verrette Her funeral will be held on Saturday at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Adelaide’s Church, Lowell St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be Swampscott Cemetery.