Jacquelyn Marie Graziano age 67 of Dennisport, formerly of E. Longmeadow passed away suddenly February 5th at home. Born and raised in South Boston, she graduated from Boston Girls Latin and received her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. In her early twenties she worked as a pharmacist through the World Health Organization on Native American Reservations in South Dakota. Later she was a pharmacist at Mass General Hospital, Ryan Drug, and Brooks Pharmacy. After a career in pharmacy, her interests in the relationship between technology and education brought her to study and research alternative educational strategies, which she shared with schools and students struggling with learning disabilities. She posed questions for the integration of technologies in schools well before it was commonplace. A creative thinker, she also studied visual arts. She exhibited her painting in local art exhibitions and was a supporter of cultural development. She was a member of the East Longmeadow Cultural Affairs Council for years, and an active participant in community arts development. She instilled creativity and innovative thinking in her children, while raising the family that she loved so much.
Mother of Stephanie Merwin and her Husband Peter of Pittsfield, Audra Graziano and her fiancé Matthew Hersh of CA, and Andrew Graziano and his wife Christina of Los Angelas. Grandmother of Collin, Brendan, and Jake Merwin. Daughter of the late John and Eleanor Burke. Sister of John Burke and his wife Mary of Milton, Dr. Dennis Burke and his wife Martha of Milton, Paul Burke and his wife Elizabeth Burke of S. Boston and the late Michael Burke and sister in law of Lenore Burke of S. Boston. She is survived by her former husband of 37 years Steven Graziano and together they raised a loving family. Also survived by sixteen beloved nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Friday 5-8 pm. Funeral mass at St. Brigid Church South Boston Saturday morning at 10. Burial private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.namiwm.org/