Donate in Memory of Donna L. Burke

Obituary: Donna L. (Henderson) Burke

Published in The Patriot Ledger on Jan. 12, 2016

Donna L. (Henderson) Burke, of Abington, formerly of Holbrook and Hanover, peacefully passed away on January 8, 2016, in the embrace of her family in the comfort of the home of which she was enormously proud.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Burke of Abington, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage; as well as by daughters, Kimberly A. Burke of Bridgewater, Kelli A. Burke of Bridgewater, Kristen L. Gouthro and her husband Gregory of Abington, and Brenda E. McKnight-Burke of Billerica, daughters who were given, among many other gifts, a love of family, a love of children, the joy of laughter, gardening, music and painting; her well adored and perfect grandchildren, Kevin, Meredith, Chloe, Alexander, Benjamin, Bradley, and Ryan, were endlessly spoiled at Grammy’s house and shared with her countless hours of love and fun. She was the best big sister to Diane Conant of Abington, Keith Henderson of Lake Worth, Fla., Deborah Kiernan and her husband Vincent of Falmouth, Scott Henderson of Carver, Craig Henderson and his partner Denise Gardner of Cohasset, Jeffrey Henderson of Harwich, and Jon Henderson of Falmouth. She also leaves much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large extended family.

Daughter of the late Gilbert M. and Louise M. Henderson, Donna was a graduate of Hanover High School and spent her early career at the Prudential Insurance Co. in Boston. Donna was proud of her heritage as a Mayflower descendant. Her love of flowers sparked an interest in painting and became the subject of her beautiful art work that was shared with family and friends and joyfully adorn many homes. Donna looked forward to cheering on the New England Patriots was always amused by the antics of her favorite player Rob Gronkowski and was a staunch defender of Tom Brady.

Burial will be private for the immediate family at Hanover Center Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Arrangements by the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, please sign out online guest book at www.quealyandson.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, www.ccals.org, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
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