Loving Wife, Devoted Mother
Suzanne M. (Grela) Burke of Westford, died peacefully in Littleton, her family at her side on May 14, 2022, aged 70 years old. She was the beloved wife of Joseph Burke with whom she was married for 38 years.
Suzanne was born in Cambridge, MA, a daughter of the late Milton and Anne (Golen) Grela. She received her early education in the Westwood school system and was a graduate of Westwood High School with the Class of 1969. She continued her education where she graduated from the University of Vermont in 1973 with a degree in education. Suzanne’s hobbies included reading, traveling, taking long drives, walking with her dog, swimming, and watching football (especially Tom Brady).
Family meant everything to Suzanne, shared by an exceptionally close bond with her mother, Anne. Anne’s three sisters and their children meant the world to Suzanne. As young adults, Suzanne became very close with her cousins in Connecticut, Patty and Sally. They shared yearly camping vacations to Lake George, NY, adventures in the White Mountains and numerous family picnics. Suzanne also spent family gatherings with her Aunt Del and her cousins Sandra and Carolyn whom all kept in close touch throughout the years.
Suzanne became a proud, loving Mother of three children, Gregory, Peter and Bethany. As the children grew, she attended all sports functions with the boys, basketball with Greg and football with Peter. With Bethany, they would take special rides to the ocean, and they loved spending every enjoyable moment together. Suzanne, Joe and the kids enjoyed vacationing at Cape Cod and she enjoyed spending time with her brother, Robert, who was a devoted uncle to her children.
Due to her health, Suzanne was unable to attend, in person, Bethany’s wedding to her beloved son-law-in, Mickey. Suzanne’s close college friend, Anne, sat by her bed side and together they witnessed a live presentation of the entire ceremony. She left life with comfort knowing Bethany would continue her life in joy and happiness with Mickey at her side.
Suzanne’s other big love was her only grandchild, Evelyn. Suzanne enjoyed playing with Evee, watching her grow up and attending her dance recitals. Evelyn meant everything to Suzanne and brought her more joy than words can express. She just treasured being called Babcia, (Bobchee) grandmother in Polish.
Suzanne is predeceased by her Father Milton, Mother Anne, Brother Robert, and Aunt’s Del, Sophie, Sally and Helen and her best dog pal, Biscuit. She also leaves behind her husband Joe, her 2 sons Gregory and Peter, daughter Bethany, son-in-law Mickey, granddaughter Evelyn, and a sister Doreen, many close cousins Patty, Sally, Sandra, Carolyn and several, dear close friends.
There will be no visiting hours. Services and interment are private. Donations may be made in Suzanne’s name to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, P.O. Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749, or online <a style=”font-weight:bold” href=”https://www.ygrr.org/donate/”>Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue</a>
