Phyllis (Koczwara) Burke, 88, of New Bedford passed away on Sunday November 15, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness. She was the widow of James A. Burke, and daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Scieszka) Koczwara.
She is survived by six daughters, Colleen Lawrence, Christine Ouimette, Corliss Brier, Shauneen Burke, Sherri Jardin, and Stacey Burke; her siblings, Robert Koczwara, Dolores Andrade Reid, and Helen Palowski; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Phyllis worked for many years as a waitress at Davy's Locker, as well as other well-known establishments in the area. When she was not busy working and homemaking, she enjoyed knitting, cooking, dancing, and socializing. She was loved by many people and was a kind and gentle soul who would rather give than receive.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Thursday at 12 Noon. Visiting hours and burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.