Published January 31, 2020
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Norma M. (Johannessen) Burke, 100, of Manchester, N.H., formerly of Melrose, died January 23, 2020.
She was born in Everett, Mass. on June 17, 1919 to the late Christian and Henrietta (Hanson) Johannessen. She was raised in East Boston and attended East Boston High School. She would later move to Melrose with her late husband William where they would raise their family and live for over 30 years.
Norma was a member of St. Mary’s Church and the St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality. She loved to travel, taking many trips to California, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. She enjoyed spending time reading and doing crossword puzzles. Norma also loved to sing, she had a beautiful voice. She devoted much of her life to babies and children, believing they were “God’s greatest creation.”
Norma was the beloved wife of the late William F. Burke with whom she shared 69 years of marriage. Loving mother of Norma M. Mannion and her husband Nicholas of Ill., William F. Burke Jr. and his wife Marlene of Chester, N.H., Christine A. Burke of Auburn, N.H., and John J. Burke and his wife Janice of Chester, N.H. Proud grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of nine. Predeceased by five siblings. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Wed., Jan. 29. A funeral service was held at the Gately Funeral Home immediately following the visitation. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to a charity of your choice. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
