1942 - 2022
Visitation
December 28, 20223:00-7:00PM
The Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
December 29, 20229:30AM
Immaculate Conception Church, Lowell, MA
Joyce Ann (Collins) Burgess a lifelong resident of Lowell, Massachusetts died December 25, 2022 at Lowell General Hospital surrounded by her family.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on March 28, 1942 the daughter of Harold E. and Lillian R. (Fligg) Collins. She spent the majority of her life in the Swede Village section of the city.
Joyce was a member of the Lowell High School Class of 1960, where she was a Girl Officer, entering from the Sacred Heart School, she was a member of Sacred Heart Parish from the time she was a child until it’s closing in 2004. During those years she served as a member of the Sodality, Parish Council, Choir, as a lector, CCD teacher, CCD and CYO coordinator. Joyce also enjoyed singing in many a parish production. In addition to serving as the Sacred Heart School secretary for many years, Joyce worked for the Lowell Public Schools in several different positions, before finding herself as the clerk at the Leblanc and Murkland elementary schools until her retirement in September of 2009. After her retirement she was often called back into service to fill in for a clerk who needed to be out for extended periods of time. She has touched the lives of many children throughout the City of Lowell in one capacity or another for many years.
Joyce is a current member of the Immaculate Conception Parish and a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. Of which she served in every office leading up to President, which she served as for 14 years. For the last several years she has also served the LAOH on the state level, most recently serving as President of the Massachusetts Chapter. Aside from the many close friends she has made through the LAOH, she still had deep connections to many groups of friends, cousins, and neighbors. From ‘The Girls’ who grew up together through all stages of their lives and still remain close, to the ‘Bowling Babes’ who don’t bowl anymore but still like to get together, to the ‘Three Musketeers’ ready for an adventure. To her very special friends M. Sheila Carney and Dottie (Moran) Toth.
Joyce never found a committee she didn’t join or activity she wouldn’t help plan. She enjoyed a good mystery, whether working on genealogy, doing a puzzle, or reading a good book. She loved spending time with friends and had many a story to tell, which she did, Joyce was a storyteller. She loved a good “Do-ta-doot” bringing her daughter, grandchildren, and friends on many. She loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. She is widely loved and will be missed by many.
She is survived by her loving husband Charles E. Burgess with whom she celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary this past September 3rd, her three sons William C. Burgess and his wife Marianne of Tewksbury, MA, Thomas C. Burgess and his wife Kimberly of Lowell, MA, Michael C. Burgess and his fiancee Deborah of Ayer, MA and her daughter Barbara A. Burgess of Lowell, MA; two sisters, Beverly Nastasia and her husband Kenneth of Riverview, FL and Seabrook, NH and Patricia Roe and her husband Simon of Pelham, NH, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was the beloved Nana/Nannie to Katelyn, Brittany, Alyson, William, Christopher, and Brianne, and her great-grandson Greyson; She was the grandmother to Erin and Mary, and the great-grandmother to Ciara. Her fur buddy Chip will greatly miss her.
Joyce’s visiting hours will be Wed., Dec 28th, from 3 to 7pm. Funeral Thurs., Dec. 29th at 8:30am from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell. Burial in Westlawn II Cemetery, Lowell, MA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the AOH/LAOH Scholarship Fund at: AOH/LAOH Scholarship Fund, c/o Donna Salyards – Secretary, 57 Sherman St., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Gerry arndorfer
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I enjoyed listening to hearing her talk about her trips and talking about the people we knew she was full of life my condolences to the family
Gerry Arndorfer
Maureen Vieira
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My deepest condolence. I met Joyce at her sister’s Pat beauty shop however she spoke of my family for many years. I also enjoyed her many stories. She was easy to talk too and shared many stories about her family. Her sister Pat was my connection. My Pat is like my sister. I met Bev several times. Her Families and many friends I am so sad for your lost. I know she will be missed. Just keep sharing your stories at the parties and dinner table she shared. God bless you all during this difficult. The best part she is not suffering no more. LOVE and Peace
Maureen Gulbicki Vieira living in Manteca California
Alice McLaughlin
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Joyce was a true story teller and friend to many. She took over for me when I had to be out to take care of my husband. I always knew she would treat my job like her own. I am truly grateful for having the pleasure of knowing Joyce and she will be missed. Barbie, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Marilyn Madigan
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Joyce was a special person. I enjoyed working with her as both of us moved up the Ladders on the State and National Boards. I will miss my Hibernian Sister. May She Rest in Peace.
Pamela (Noel) Rochna
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Mrs. Burgess, as that is who she was to me, influenced me in so many ways as a youth. I shared the responsibility at the office desk at Sacred Heart School when she needed to have lunch or take a walk. Clearly my office skills developed because of a great example.
My favorite memory was in 8th grade when I asked her for a letter of reference. She wrote that I was “well-rounded”. Not having heard that term before I asked her why she thought it was important to tell other that I was “fat”? I remember her laugh and hug. “Well-rounded means you get along with others and have lots of skills in many things” she explained.
I remember that moment like it was yesterday.
Thank you Mrs. Burgess for touching my life and helping shape me into the hard working women I am today. May you rest in peace.
Condolences to the whole Burgess family.
Anthony Coppola
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My sincere condolences to Tom and the entire Burgess family for your loss ??
Joel Morehouse
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Joyce and Charlie are the head of one of the best families I’ve ever met. Much admiration. Joel
Charlotte Cate
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I remember when Joyce, Leona and I played basketball for Sacres Heart. We played some tough teams, but that didnt stop the three of us to run outon the court like we were a Boston Celtic. We also joined the softball team and we were pretty darn good. We also acted like pros there too. We were pretty darn good. Father Randall called us pros. We had a wonderful childhood. Then our group of girls stayed friends all these years. Boy to go back to the days when we were 15 and 16 yrs old. Great memories.
Love you Joycie, see you in heaven, Like your daughter and you say.
Love, Mama Cate
Stephen Aubin
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My deepest condolences to the Burgess family for your loss.
Bill Sheehan
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very sorry for your loss,Joyce was Sacred heart thru and thru.