Helena Burke

Clinton-Helena F. “Holly” (Boland) Burke, 94, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, May 11th 2025, with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of William T. “Bill” Burke, her husband of 67 years, who preceded her in death on December 20, 2021. Holly was born in Lancaster, the youngest child of the late Maurice H. and Margaret (Curley) Boland. Raised in Lancaster, she graduated from Lancaster High School in 1949. She married Bill during his service in the Navy, and they began their life together in Virginia and Florida before settling in Clinton to raise their family. A devoted mother and grandmother, Holly took immense joy in family gatherings and cherished the time she spent caring for her three grandsons in their early years. She also treasured moments with her friends and loved ones. Holly worked at Weetabix until her retirement in 1993. She and Bill enjoyed annual trips to Aruba, creating many fond memories.

She is survived by her son, William Burke of Leominster; her daughter, Kathleen Shaheen, and her husband, John, of Nashua, NH; and her three grandsons: Michael Shaheen and his wife, Joanna, Chris Shaheen, and Patrick Shaheen. In addition to her husband, Bill, she was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Nancy G. Burke, and her siblings: Raymond Boland, Maurice Boland, James Boland, Mary Evans, and Anna Gorski, nephews: James E. Boland Jr, Mark B Evans, James E. Evans.

A calling hour will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 9:30 until 10:30AM in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St., Clinton, and burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association in Holly’s memory. Please visit www.heart.org to contribute. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com