Ann J. (Barry) Burke, age 89, passed away quietly, on October 17, 2015, at Academy Manor Nursing Home, Andover, surrounded by her family. Ann was born in Boston on February 1, 1926. She was the daughter of Gertrude Anastasia (McCormick) and William Hyde Barry. There she was raised by her grandmother with he sister Gertrude (Barry) Petzold at 34 Reed Street in Winthrop. She was raised amongst many members of the "Barry Clan" who were fortunate enough to find boarding there. Ann's grandfather, P.W. Barry was employed as a postal clerk in Winthrop and provided for the family. Like most depression families, home-made beer was a prerequisite and participation of libations was numerous and often resulting in physical discussions.
Ann graduated from Winthrop High School in 1943 and soon extracted herself from 34 Reed Street to live with "The Aunt", her Aunt Helene Lynch, who provided a good loving home. Soon thereafter she was introduced to "Jimmy Burke", freshly out the Army Air Corps. Jimmy was quite a catch, as he had a car and successfully passed inspection of "The Aunt". It was love at first sight and soon they were married in Winthrop and built a home in Andover. Ann had four children, Kevin, Karen, Douglas and Andrea. She provided everything for them and instilled old school values in them all, manners, consideration, and love.
While all the children were in Andover High School, Ann went back to school at the Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School, School of Nursing. She was one of the first classes to graduate from the LPN program. She found work at Stevens Hall in North Andover, and Kenoza Nursing Home in Haverhill. She loved being a nurse and developed many friendships which continued until she passed. She was an avid book reader and participated in reading "book clubs", but nothing can compare to her love of the Red Sox. Like many of us she road the roller coaster of many seasons and was ecstatic when they brought home two world series. She'd love to watch them on television and was lucky enough to see a few games in person.
She was a kind and thoughtful woman who will be missed by her children, Kevin and wife Mary from Methuen, Karen and her husband Ernie Osborn from Derry, New Hampshire, Douglas and his wife Gayle from Methuen, and daughter Andrea and her husband Victor Ardonato of Louisville, Kentucky, many grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and especially the Petzold clan, Skip, Hidie and Edie, Lauren, Brenda, Sharon, and Rick. Good times.
Funeral Services will be privately held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Life Choice Hospice, 790 Turnpike Street, Suite 302, North Andover, MA 01845. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.