Roberta R. (Rush) Burke

Roberta R. Burke (formerly Rush) passed away on January 20, at the age of 74. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, James A. Burke. She is the devoted mother of Jennifer A. Reppucci and her husband, Dennis, and Andrew M. Burke. She cherished her grandchildren, Dennis Jr. and Anne Reppucci.

Roberta is the loving sister of Martha Rush O'Mara and her husband, Robert, Barbara Rush (deceased) and Patricia McCormack, and daughter of the late James E. and Harriet L. (Russell) Rush. She is the adored aunt of Molly (O'Mara) and Matthew Fillmore and Daniel O'Mara and Kristen Costa. She loved her great nieces, Scarlett and Rhiannon Costa O'Mara, dearly. She is the caring mother-in-law of Abigail Shoemaker.

Roberta loved her friends like family: Cathy, Sue, Aggie and Joan – and many people from her time working at Melrose Wakefield Hospital. The girls spent time at the condo in Maine, went to concerts and shows and made trips to Las Vegas and Aruba. Bette Midler, Elvis, The Beatles and The Righteous Brothers were among Roberta's favorites.

The Burkes enjoyed family vacations in Maine and Disney. They watched golf and tennis and attended many sporting events in person. Roberta enjoyed reading, puzzle books and cheering for the Boston sports teams … when they played well.

Roberta, Martha and Barbara often took Jenn, Andy, Molly and Dan to the beach, the swan boats, to Boston at Christmas time and to visit Nana Rush and many cousins, aunts and uncles in Stoneham.

Roberta's family would like to thank Deena Di Iorio for the exceptional care and generous companionship she provided to Roberta.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather at Barile Family Funeral Home (482 Main St., Stoneham) on Tuesday, January 25 (4-7p). Funeral from Barile on Wednesday, January 26 (9a) followed by a Funeral Mass (10a) at St. Patrick Church (71 Central St., Stoneham). Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery (Stoneham). Parking attendants and elevator are available.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Roberta's memory to the Joslin Diabetes Center (One Joslin Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02215).

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome