SALEM – Mrs. Deborah (Parsons) Lord Burke, 65 of Salem, devoted wife of Thomas W. Burke, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Salem Hospital, with her loving family by her side. She has returned home to be with her parents, sister, brother and many others who have left this world before her.

Born in Salem, Debbie was the daughter of the late Albert and Anna Louise (Begley) Parsons. She was raised and educated in Salem, being the first graduating class out of the new Salem High School.

With her blonde hair, friendly smile and sharp wit, Debbie was a Salem favorite when it came to waitresses. Always serving breakfast, Debbie first started waitressing at Boyles Diner and the Courthouse Deli. She would later spend 25 years serving many new and old friends at Dotty & Rays Diner. She was a lifelong Salem resident, serving the Salem Community the best way she knew how – with food, a smile and a good laugh. Most recently, Debbie worked in the store front at Cherry Street Fish Market in Danvers, where she made many friends.

Debbie loved her life simple; she loved being a mom, loved her Thomas and loved recharging by the water, especially when sitting on the beach at Winter Island. When she wasn't serving food, she was cooking it, making homemade dinners every night. She was truly awesome and those who knew Debbie know how special and genuine she was. She was motherly to all and a great friend to many and will be so be deeply missed.

In addition to her husband Thomas of Salem, Debbie is survived by her children, Justen James Parsons and his fiancé, Amanda Moulaison of Salem, Amy Burke, Brian Burke and Matthew Burke all of Salem. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She was the sister of the late Timothy Kingsley Parsons and Pamela Schaejbe and beloved cat mom to Bud Henry and Lilly Ann.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Debbie's visiting hours which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 4 to 7 P.M. All other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie's memory can be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.