Marguerite "Peggy" (Ringland) Burke passed away at Wingate of Andover in Andover, MA on March 5, 2015. She was 103. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Patrick F. Burke Sr. in 1975.
Marguerite was born in Lawrence, MA on February 1, 1912, the daughter of James and Mary Frances (Callahan) Ringland.
She attended St. Patrick's Elementary and Lawrence High School. She worked at the Arlington Mill in Lawrence. During World War II, she worked on the wool used for uniforms and was a highly skilled and regarded mender.
During the 1940-50s, she and her husband Pat owned Burke's Tavern, where the local power players met for a pint. “Peg and Pat” was a glamorous couple, very involved in the political, social and sporting life of the Greater Lawrence area. They danced many nights away at political and Irish galas. Pat's gift of humor and Shanakee (Irish Storytelling) talents made them the center of attention at many gatherings.
"Party Peg," as she was lovingly referred to, was a "hands on" hardworking, integral part of the lives of her family and friends. She was at the core, the best daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend who taught us all how to live joyfully.
Her enthusiasm knew no bounds and she especially loved parties, dancing, laughter, all sports, games, Bingo, her "divan" and visiting every Irish Pub on both sides of the Atlantic.
With her group of friends known affectionately as "the Mauraders” there is no doubt there are many card games and Hooley’s (Irish Celebrations) going on in Heaven.
Until her passing, Mum continued to make life-long "best friends." During her recent hospitalizations in Rooms 501 and 513 at the Lawrence General Hospital, the nurses and staff there treated her like family. Thank you all.
We also want to share her appreciation and the deep emotion we feel, for all the fun, love, care and friendship Mum enjoyed with the nurses, staff and residents at Wingate Andover, these last two years. The family will miss our visits to Room 210 and the shared hours of fun and frolic in the lounge. We treasure the memories of the happy times at Mum's Wingate "home." You made her last years wonderful. We love you!
She is survived by; her daughter Jane and her husband Vincent LeGendre of Osterville, MA, her son Michael Burke and his wife Martha of Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, her daughter-in-law June and her husband George Jones, of Beaufort, SC, her brother Joseph Ringland of Lawrence, MA, and her brother-in-law James Callahan of Rocky Mount, NC.
Her grandchildren; Tripp LeGendre and his wife Laura, of Franconia, NH, Leigh and her husband Patrick Keefe of Andover, MA, Sabrina (Burke) and her husband Stephen Featherstonhaugh, of Highland Park, NY, Stephanie Burke and her spouse, Cindy May, of Tennessee, Michael Burke of Arlington, MA, Jessica and her husband David Purdy of West Roxbury, MA.
Her great grandchildren; Meagan, Brenna, Patrick and Conan Keefe of Andover, MA, Emily and Alexander Featherstonhaugh of Highland Park, NY, George, Thatcher, Jameson and Bennett Purdy of West Roxbury, MA.
In addition to her husband and parents, Peg was predeceased by her beloved son, Patrick F. Burke Jr. She was also predeceased by her sisters; Theresa (Frank) McKenna and Mary (James) Callahan, her brothers; William Ringland (Dorothy), John Ringland (Florence) and sister-in-law, Jeannette Ringland.
Peggy is also survived by many beloved Ringland and Burke nieces and nephews.
Arrangements: Calling hours will be held Friday March 13, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church, 35 Essex Street, Andover, MA. Funeral Mass will begin immediately after calling hours at 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.
Please omit flowers.