Karen Burke

Karen M. (Dowling) Burke, 80 of Hanover, MA passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026 after a short illness. Karen was born in Boston and was the daughter of the late Victoria A. (Kolesinski) Dowling. She was a graduate of Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School in Dorchester. Karen worked as Senior Assistant Manager of Classified Advertising at The Boston Globe for 34 years. She was a hardworking, generous, and well-respected colleague who in 1995, was presented the prestigious Employee of the Year award from the Publisher.

Karen was pre-deceased by her husband of 49 years, Richard Burke formally of Hanover. She was the cherished mother to Karen Marie Burke, of Hanover. Karen also leaves behind two sisters, Christine Dowling and Denise Dowling, both of Hanover.

Karen enjoyed spending holidays with her family and decorating the house from top to bottom for Christmas. She was an avid Rolling Stones fan who never missed a concert when they came to town. Karen enjoyed trips to Disney World by train while crocheting her “signature” baby alphabet afghan as she went. She also enjoyed frequent theatre trips to both Boston and New York with her daughter Karen, whom she introduced to theatre at an early age.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, RTE53, Hanover, MA, on Thursday, July 16th from 4 pm-7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels, 392 Hanover Street, Hanover, on Friday, July 17th at 9 am. Burial to follow at Hanover Center Cemetery.