ANDOVER - ANDOVER - Our proud Dorchester girl with deep Irish roots, Karen Ann Burke, of Andover, MA, formerly of Chelmsford, MA, passed away on Friday afternoon, April 25, 2025 at the Mary Immaculate Nursing Restorative Center in Lawrence, MA.

Born in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Helen C. (McNamara) Burke. Karen was predeceased by her brother, John "Jack" Burke and her closest and dearest friend, Mary McCarthy.

Karen graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA, with the Class of 1964, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from Emmanuel College in 1969. She later received a Master's degree in English and Linguistics from Salem State College.

Karen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1964 and taught for several years before leaving to begin the next chapter in her life. She dedicated more than three decades to teaching English at Andover High School, retiring from Andover Public Schools after 32 years of service. She was admired by students and colleagues alike for her enthusiastic, animated teaching style and extra involvement with so many activities beyond the school day.

Karen was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Chelmsford. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of how she lived her life.

Karen cherished time spent with friends and family. She loved traveling, especially to Ireland and on Princess Cruises. She remained active in the lives of those she held dear.

She is lovingly remembered by her family, Betsey and Don Desfosse of Andover, MA, and their daughters, Alyssa and Lindsey Desfosse, and her nieces and nephews from the McCarthy family. She is also survived by several faithful friends, notably the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and her friends from Andover High School.

Special thanks to all her caregivers at Stone Hill, Andover and from Home Instead, especially Jessica, Tina and Jessica.

Karen's visitation will be Wednesday, May 7, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford, MA followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford, MA.Burial in Fairview Cemetery,