She was born on Oct.13, 1934, in Biddeford, the only child of Yvonne (Houle) and Leslie Burke. The family soon moved to Yarmouth and she was educated in local schools. She graduated from NYA as valedictorian of the Class of 1953.
Jeannette had many fond memories of her early life in Yarmouth. She was known for her singing and piano playing and performed in many recitals, school plays, minstrel shows at church, the American Legion or at the Grange. She particularly enjoyed Halloween when friends would gather at her home and sing for hours, play spin the bottle and dunk for apples.
After graduation she attended Boston University and Northeastern University before graduating from the Beth Israel Hospital School of Radiology and became a registered radiologic technologist.
On March 16, 1974, she married David A. Dufour, who has stood by through sickness and health. He was her husband, her friend – the rock that she clung to – and her caretaker during her final years.
Jeannette is survived by: her husband, David of Durham; her son, Francis Sullivan and his wife Cherie of South Carolina; her daughter, Leslie Sullivan of Freeport; her son, Dennis Sullivan of Pennsylvania; her son, David Sullivan of North Yarmouth; her daughter, Sharaleigh Dufour of Westbrook; as well as many grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
A time of gathering and reception will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, with the funeral service also at the funeral home on Friday Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. with Deacon Dennis Popadak officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross cemetery, in Yarmouth. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Jeannette’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.
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