Published in the July 15, 2016 edition

Emily-Burke-obit-webWINCHESTER — Emily G. (LeBlanc) Burke, 94, passed away at the Winchester Rehab and Nursing Center on July 9.

Mrs. Burke was born and raised in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia and came to the United States at the age of 9. Emily lived in East Boston and graduated from East Boston High School, Class of 1937. She lived in Melrose from 1952-1982. In 1982, she returned to Nova Scotia and lived in Ste. Anne duRuisseau until 2007.

Mrs. Burke was a wonderful homemaker, a great cook and would open her home to anyone who needed a place to stay. She was active in the Women’s Club and St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality, and sang in the choir at St. Mary Church. Emily was also a talented piano player and sang in the Nova Chords, a women’s barbershop choir. But most of all, she cherished her family and especially her grandchildren.

Mrs. Burke was the beloved wife of the late John Leo Burke. She was the loving mother of Bruce A. Bourque and his wife Lydia of Melrose, Cynthia L. Barbati and her husband John of Melrose, Yvette F. Drinkwater and her husband William of Wakefield and the late Allen V. Burke and his wife Grace McGrath of Vermont. She was the proud grandmother of Bryan Bourque and his partner Brian Bakofen, Matthew Bourque and his wife Amy, Justin Bourque and his wife Julie, Ian Drinkwater and his wife Samantha, Allen Drinkwater and his wife Emily, Brett Barbati and the late Christopher Bourque. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Wednesday, July 13. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home took place on Thursday, July 14, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Interment in Nova Scotia will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Emily’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis TN 38105. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.gatelyfh.com.