Dea-Ann (Kerr) Burgess passed away peacefully in Haverhill, MA, on October 22, 2026. Born November 5, 1940, in Boston to Audrey and Thomas Kerr, she was raised in Reading, MA, where she met Richard “Dick” Burgess in high school. They shared 59 years of marriage.
Dea-Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She devoted herself to raising their four boys, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and school Room Mother while spending countless hours at Little League games, band concerts, dance recitals, youth football, and hockey games. She and Dick also participated in local variety shows.
As the boys grew, Dea-Ann began working in veterinary and medical offices. A member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. An avid reader, she often couldn’t put a book down once she began.
Through their involvement with the Masons and Shriners, Dea-Ann developed lasting friendships and traveled the world with Dick for clown conventions and Masonic events. They also enjoyed cruises and spent retirement winters in Zephyrhills, FL, cheering on Saint Leo University basketball. At their homes in North Reading and Zephyrhills, she loved watching birds visit her yard.
Above all, Dea-Ann treasured her family. She delighted in time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching many to sew and knit. When Dick became ill in 2016, she cared for him tirelessly until his passing in 2019.
She is survived by her brother, Jeff Kerr, and his wife, Karen Roney; her sons, Kevin and his wife, Darlene; Scott and his wife, Laurette; Tim; and Chris and his wife, Monica. Her grandchildren include Eric and his wife, Chantel; Karyn and her fiancé, Andrew Normandy; Sarah Lally and her husband, Michael; Jonathan; Eleanor; Ania; Kyana; and Sasha. She also leaves six great-grandchildren; niece Katie Fayer and her husband, Josh, and their children; sister-in-law Cindy Solomon and her husband, George; and extended family members
Doreen Orlando Burgess and partner Bill Wood, Ashley Tomioka, Kelly and John Gabrysiak. She was predeceased by her husband, Dick; and her beloved dog, Lucy.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 2 from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, with a funeral service starting at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dea-Ann’s memory to High Pointe House Hospice in Haverhill, MA.
www.croswellfuneralhome.com