Life–long resident of North Reading
Published in the October 15, 2015 edition
NORTH READING — Gayle L. (Regan) Burke, 61, of North Reading, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 11, 2015, at Winchester Hospital.
Born in Woburn on August 2, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Edward J. and Mary E. (White) Regan. Gayle has been a lifelong resident of North Reading was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1972. She was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, she attended the Edith A. O’Leary Senior Center and St. Theresa’s Church.
Many North Reading residents will remember Gayle from her years at the Carousel Cleaners, where every customer was greeted by her welcoming smile. Gayle was a fun loving friend to all around her. She was truly young at heart and enjoyed music from every decade. She had a quirky sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Gayle loved vacations to Cape Cod and Maine. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Gayle loved taking her dog for small walks around Martin’s Pond.
Family members include her beloved husband of 43 years, Hank Burke; loving daughters, Regan Burke and Colleen Peabody and her husband Robert, all of Methuen, Kelley Wilson and her husband Shaun of North Reading; she was the sister of Ed and Dolly Regan of FL, Jerry and Jane Regan of North Reading, Madeline Alford and Ed Brown of FL, Brian and Rick Regan of Dorchester and Joyce and Joshua Garcia of New Mexico; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jimmy Burke, Eddie and Sandy Burke, of North Reading, Joey and Sheila Burke of VA, Dave Abruzzese and the late Nancy Abruzzese of North Reading. She was the dedicated grandmother of Thomas, Tyler, Henry and Hailey Burke, Michael, Trevor and Evan Wilson and the late Ethan Lamphier, as well as her many cousins, nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends, including Patty Goodwin.
Her funeral will be from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be on Friday, October 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
