Published in the July 12, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Jean M. Burke, 84, a lifelong resident of Wakefield died Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington.
Born in Wakefield on July 31, 1934 she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Marie (Hovak) Whitford.
Mrs. Burke was born and raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1952. She married the late Ralph J. Burke and together they raised their family of six and grew the family business, Ralph J. Burke Roofing Company. She worked for more than 60 years as the Office Manager, only stopping due to illness.
Mrs. Burke enjoyed traveling extensively with her late husband, especially their annual trips to Acapulco, Mexico. She was an active member of the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church and was the membership secretary for many years. She loved crafting, sewing, and always helped at the church fair. Mrs. Burke was an excellent baker, always having some type of cake readily available for the family and she loved gardening. Jean was an advocate for education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue educational goals.
Jean was the wife of the late Ralph J. Burke. She was the mother of Ellen Sessa of Wakefield, Ralph J. Burke, Jr. and wife Karen of Dracut, Susan Coscia and husband William of York, Maine, Thomas Burke and wife Kimberly of Peabody, Daniel Burke and wife Chely of Wakefield and Katherine Hanna and husband Kevin of Stoneham. She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Kathryn Burke.
Visitation for relatives and friends at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Funeral service at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St., Wakefield, Monday at 11 a.m. Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
