Marian Theresa Burke

Marian Theresa (Belcher) Burke, 98, of Scituate, passed away on May 10, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late John Patrick Burke, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage before his passing in 1998.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Helen (Cox) Belcher. Mrs. Burke was a devout Catholic and communicant at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Cohasset, Saint Francis Cabrini Church in Scituate and in earlier years, Sacred Heart Church in North Quincy. After graduating from Saint John’s High School in Cambridge, Mrs. Burke worked as a teller for the Credit Union in the Federal Building in Boston where she met her future husband, John. During their courtship, Marian and John could be found ballroom dancing at Dreamwold in Scituate, and on sunny days at the beach where Marian brought picnic lunches. Marian and John’s first date was on a Friday, the 9th of the month. Every subsequent month when the 9th fell on a Friday, Marian would receive flowers from her beloved husband, John.

After raising their children, Mrs. Burke worked for many years in various branches of the Quincy Savings Bank as a Customer Service Representative. Mrs. Burke enjoyed many memorable vacations with her family, including spending 2 weeks every summer at Rye Beach in New Hampshire where she enjoyed the ocean. In addition, Mrs. Burke spent time with her dear friends and going out to weekly Saturday night dances at Boston College High School, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Quincy, and Florian Hall in Dorchester. Mrs. Burke also enjoyed traveling, including memorable trips to Italy, Germany, and Ireland as well as several cruises to Bermuda and other exotic locations. Gardening and dining out to local restaurants were favorite past times. Mrs. Burke enjoyed spending time with family at frequent family gatherings. Spending time with her family gave Marian the most joy and created lasting memories.

Mother of Maureen Smith (George) of Marshfield, Dianne Gustafson (Adam) of Marshfield, John Burke of North Olmsted, Ohio, Stephen Burke (Paula) of Freeport, Maine, and Elaine Egan (Glenn) of Pembroke.

Grandmother of Elizabeth Smith, Kathleen Smith, Christine Smith, Mary Smith, Adam Gustafson, Lauren Gustafson, Patrick Burke, Catherine Burke, Daniel Burke, Johnathan Burke, Glenn Egan and Patricia Egan and Great Grandmother of Sullivan Daniel Burke.

Sister of the late Francis H. Belcher, S.J., the late Helen Sparks, and the late William H. Belcher (Beverly).

Mrs. Burke is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 3-7 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church,10 Summer Street, Cohasset. Interment immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Scituate.