Reading Resident of More Than Half Century Dies at 97

The following is an Obituary from Douglass Edgerley and Bessom: 

Rita B. (Healey) Burbank, a resident of Reading for 62 years, died November 7, 2013, at the Union Hospital in Lynn surrounded by her loving family. She was 97 years of age.

Rita Was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on July 12, 1916, the daughter of Dennis J. and Jennie B. (O’Rourke) Healey. Rita grew up in Lexington and was a graduate of Lexington High School.

Growing up in Lexington she was one of 11 Healey children all of whom she was very proud. A devoted Catholic her whole life, she attend Mass at St. Athanasius Church regularly. Rita traveled extensively with her husband, Nelson, with whom she has been happily married for 63 years.

Her family was first and foremost in her life and was extremely dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rita was the beloved wife of Nelson S. Burbank. Devoted mother of Peter N. Burbank and his wife Sheila of Andover; Nelson S. Burbank, Jr. and his wife Joan of York Harbor, ME; and Jane V. Burbank of Winchester. Loving grandmother of Kara, Mary, Peter, Jr., Michael, Alexis, Whitney, Paul, Jr., and Vivian; and great grandmother of Ryan and Dylan.