Pamela Burke Pease, 83

Pamela Burke Pease, age 83 — though only admitting to 39 — passed away peacefully at her home in Acton on August 25, 2026, after a prolonged journey through Alzheimer’s, nearly all of which was done with a smile.

Pam was born in Bronxville, New York, on September 25, 1942, to parents B James Burke and Elizabeth I Burke, and was raised in Weston, Connecticut. She was raised in a home filled with love, laughter, music, fun, animals, and a built-in desire to help others. She attended local schools and then the Graham-Eckes School in Palm Beach, Florida; Bradford Junior College; and the University of Grenoble.

In her early years, Pam worked in the travel industry in New York City, putting her foreign language skills to good use. Before moving to Acton in 1984, Pam and family lived in Alexandria, Virginia, where she made lifelong friends, as she did everywhere she went.

After moving to Acton with her family, Pam enjoyed working in the Acton Museum shop and raising a family.

Pam leaves a loving family and a family she loved dearly. She is survived by her husband Colin; sons Andrew and Grafton; daughters-in-law Laura and Julia; grandchildren Anthony, Adeline, Emmett, and Oliver; her sister Diana and husband Grafton Reeves; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Her house was filled with song and laughter, and nearly everyone she encountered, particularly if younger, was referred to as “dearie.” Sometimes a stickler for correct grammar, she had a love for language and always kept a dictionary handy.

She brought fun to everything her family did and will be sorely missed.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Pam at her memorial service on Saturday, September 12, at 2 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street. Burial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street, #201, Newton, MA 02460, alz.org/manh.

Arrangements are under the care of Acton Funeral Home, concordfuneral.com.