Rosaleen (Burke) Avery of Torrington, CT passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She was 76 years old.

Rosaleen was born on June 25, 1949 in Derry, Northern Ireland, and was known to family and close friends affectionally as “Rose”. Rosaleen and her family moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland when she was a child, and she attended school there until her early adult years. Rosaleen was a proud Irish woman, and brought not only her heritage, but a lot of great Irish sayings everywhere she went. Rose was a devout Catholic and attended mass regularly, often several times per week in her later years.

In 1971, Rosaleen relocated to South Africa with her then-husband, Samuel, to pursue a life abroad. In 1975, Rosaleen returned to Belfast for a short period before emigrating to the United States in September of 1975. Rosaleen pursued a career in office administration and gave birth to her oldest child Conor in 1979, and to her youngest child Caolan in 1982.

In 1995, Rosaleen and her husband Kenneth were married in Northern Ireland, and settled in Thomaston, CT before ultimately retiring in Torrington, CT. Throughout their amazing 31-year marriage, Rosaleen and Ken enjoyed traveling back to Ireland to visit family, taking trips to the White Mountains, and hosting family and friends. One of their favorite past times included day trips in their convertible to explore the countryside of New England. Rosaleen was a devoted and loving wife, and the definition of hospitality. Her smile would liven the room, her food liven the soul, and her love liven the heart.

Rosaleen obtained many professional achievements, but found ultimate success and enjoyment working as a Human Resources Administrator for ITDS in Stamford, CT. This role allowed Rosaleen to demonstrate her natural desire to help people, a trait that she held near to her heart. Rose went on to win Employee of the Year multiple times over, showcasing her level of dedication to her career, and to her coworkers.

Rosaleen’s greatest passion in life was watching her children and grandchildren grow. Rose had a special place in her heart for children, as if nurturing was second-nature. She laughed with the laughs, knew how to ease the cries, and said just the right words to make everything seem ok. She was truly an amazing mother.

In her free time, Rosaleen enjoyed playing the guitar, refining her cooking skills and baking her world-famous chocolate chip cookies. She also loved exercise, including walking, Callanetics, and yoga. In her early years, Rose enjoyed Irish dancing and golf.

Rosaleen lived for her family and gave everything to them. She was loved by all and will be truly missed.

Rosaleen is survived by her husband Kenneth, her son Conor (Laura) and their children Abigail and Riley, her son Caolan (Kristen) and their children Brayden, Cayce, and Shayne, her stepson Jason (Lonnie) and their daughter Camryn, her stepson Christopher (Lori) and their children Sarah and Evan, and her siblings Mary (James), Alex (Emma), Thomas (Patricia), and Gerard (Brenda). Rosaleen is predeceased by her parents James “J.P.” Burke and Ellen Burke, and her brother John (Ann).

Calling hours will be held at Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High Street, Thomaston, CT on Tuesday April 14th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Catholic mass will be held at St. Thomas Church, 1 East Main Street, Thomaston, CT on Wednesday April 15th at 10:00am, followed by a burial at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Rosaleen’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.