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In Memory

Nancy Bower

Nancy Bower

Nancy G. Burke
of Leominster, MA; 60

LEOMINSTER -- Nancy G. Burke, of Leominster, MA, the beloved wife of Bill Burke, passed away peacefully at home with her devoted husband, Bill by her side.

She was born June 18, 1954 in Boston to Sybil and the late Herbert Bower. She grew up in Needham. She graduated from Needham High School, and went on to graduate from Husson University in Bangor, ME.

Nancy worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Headmaster at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham for close to 20 years. She enjoyed her job and all the wonderful friends she had at Cushing Academy. She was grateful to have such close friends who really showed their love when she became ill.

Nancy took pride in taking care of her beautiful flower garden. She loved her annual vacations with Bill to Marco Island, Florida. She also enjoyed going on cruises and vacations in Las Vegas.

Nancy was diagnosed with stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer in January of 2013. She was a true inspiration to all who saw her battle with her illness. She endured endless chemo treatments and radiation. Nancy never gave up. She lived as much as she could knowing that her time was running out. Many of the vacations that she and Bill booked needed to be canceled due to her illness. She was very fortunate to be well enough to go on an Alaskan cruise last summer. The highlight of that trip for her was the Sled dog excursion. She was especially delighted holding the little sled dog puppies. Nancy was an avid animal lover, and a longtime supporter of animal charities. She adored her two Australian Cattle Dogs, Emmy and Sheriff. Nancy was miraculously able to take one more Las Vegas vacation in December. She had a wonderful time, highlighted with an Andrea Bocelli Concert. Words can not express the deep sorrow we feel from her passing.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 20 years, and best friend, Bill who truly loved her; her loving and very devoted mother, Sybil Bower of Needham, MA; her very caring brother, Andrew Bower, his wife, Heide, their children, Anja, Kurt, and Erin of Portland, Maine. Loving sister-in-law, Kathy Shaheen and her husband, John, their children, Michael, Christopher, and Patrick of Nashua, NH. She also leaves her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Helena Burke of Clinton MA.

BURKE -- Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, MA. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Mar. 8, 2015.