Jeanette E. Burke, 89 of Franklin, died October 26, 2019 at Blaire House of Milford. She was the wife of the late Thomas W. Burke , Jr. who died in 2000. Born in Chelsea , MA October 14, 1930 she was the daughter of the late Delbert Knowles and B. Ellen (Pratt) Knowles.
Mrs. Burke was a graduate of Ipswich High School Class of 1949. She moved to Franklin, MA over sixty years ago. Mrs. Burke worked for GTE for over twenty years as an administrator, and held a top secret clearance while working for the company.
When her children were young, she aided in organizing the first Pop Warner cheerleading squad in Franklin. She was an avid artist including sewing, knitting, playing the piano, gardening, bird-watching and especially painting. She painted using many mediums and loved to paint landscapes. She enjoyed getting special requests for her artwork and the connection with people that came with that. She had many life-long friendships and enjoyed playing Rummikub with her best girlfriends very late in life. She spent time at the Franklin Senior Center as well. Most important to her was always spending time with her loved ones. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by two sons Thomas D. Burke and his wife Caryn of Ashland, NH. Edward A. Burke of Franklin, MA and a daughter Donna J. Knight and her husband George E. of Bristol, RI. She is also survived by her twin sister, Jean Rynkowski, as well as sister Dorothy Spurling. She is predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Burke and Eleanor Harris. She is also survived by her grandchildren Bradley, Lauren (Burke)Novick and Garret Burke, Jeremy and Joshua Roy, and Devon and Raianna Burke. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Morgan and Maddison Burke, Bradley Burke, C.J. and Sarah Novick, Everly Roy as well as Ayla and Kira Roy.
Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 30 , 2019 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street Franklin at 11:00 AM.
Burial will be in Union Street Cemetery, Franklin.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 from 5PM to 8PM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited.