Debra Jean (Driscoll) Burke, 58, passed suddenly Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at her home in Whitinsville, MA.  She leaves behind her four beloved children: Ashley O'Dell and her husband Andrew, of Whitman; Brittany Flaherty and her husband Daniel, of Okinawa, Japan; Christina Burke and her fiancé Jonathan Hayes, of Whitinsville; and Keith Flye, of Fall River; and her 13 adored grandchildren: Natalie, Brooke, Daniel III, Seamus, Brian, Austyn, Gemma, Zoey, James, Kaidyn, Karter, Kolby, and Keith Jr.  In addition, Debra leaves her partner and soulmate of 34 years, Marvin Flye, Jr; stepsons Raheem, and Marvin Flye III and his children; five siblings: Amanda, Robert, Donna, Michael, and Cathalene, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Stella, Thomas, Steven, William, Barbara Ann, and Pamela.

A daughter of the late Hilary and Barbara Ann (McManus) Driscoll, Jr., Debra was born in Weymouth, MA.  She was a long-time resident of Whitinsville, where for the past 27 years she raised her children and was surrounded by a community of love.  Debra worked as a CNA until 2010, first at Bethany Health Care, in Framingham and later at Lydia Taft House, in Uxbridge. She truly had a passion for caring for others in their time of need.  She enjoyed making memories with each of her grandchildren. Debra became known as "Auntie Deb" to many of the neighborhood children. Her home was affectionately referred to as "Debbie Daycare" as she often brought the neighborhood children to and from the bus stop and babysat after. She was also known for rescuing all the stray cats and helping them to Tufts catch and release program.  She loved coffee, watching the news, and her ID station.  Her home was constantly filled with music and singing, her 'Alexa' either playing Cher, Jelly Roll or Shania "Train".  A Facebook enthusiast, Debby constantly used Facebook Live as a way to communicate and keep in touch with everyone.  Christmas was her favorite holiday and time of year; she spoiled her children and grandchildren every season and particularly loved How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Most of all, Debra was an amazing mother to her children; she always listened to their concerns and cheered them through their accomplishments.  Always supportive, she loved them unconditionally and never let them forget how proud she was.  Her family was her heart and soul; her children loved her unconditionally in return. Debra created 4 forever best friends by being the best mother she could to her children.   

Calling Hours are Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5-7PM.  Please wear colorful clothes in honor of Debra.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tufts Animal Hospital Trap, Neuter and Release program at Lerner Clinic, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536.  Please note on the donation that it is specifically for the TNR program.