Rose M. Connors (Turco, Doherty, Connors), 96, of Burlington, Massachusetts, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at her home in Burlington with her family by her side.

Rose was born on May 16, 1930, in Boston to Rosina (Rose Azzolino) and Salvatore Turco, who arrived through Ellis Island in 1913 from the Palermo and Caltanissetta regions of Sicily, Italy. She grew up in East Boston, where she graduated from high school in 1947.

In her early years, Rose held a variety of jobs, including working as a bookkeeper at Thomas Grooms in Boston and at Larchmont Engineering. She was also an excellent seamstress, often working from home at night doing piecework to help support her family. She made mother-daughter matching dresses for special occasions. Rose and her husband Anthony were married in 1950, and built their home in Burlington after moving from Jamaica Plain in the early 1960’s. Rose had a successful ceramic business where she taught ceramic classes that local neighbors and residents would participate in a couple of nights a week from her home.

Together, Rose and Anthony raised four children. They were happily married for 25 years until Anthony’s passing, which left Rose a widow at the age of 45. After a difficult period navigating life on her own, Rose found love again and married Dr. John Connors, who also had four children of his own after losing his wife, Mary. Together, they blended their families into one large, loving family of eight children—filled with laughter, family gatherings, and lifelong bonds.

Rose was known for her love of entertaining, and her deep devotion to family. She hosted countless parties and celebrations, especially during the holidays, creating cherished traditions that brought everyone together. She continued her Easter celebration for 58 years, often hosting more than 80 family members at a time. She was one of eight siblings: Fannie (Crucificia) Ansaldi; Concetta “Connie” Giglio (deceased); Salvatore Turco (deceased); Rosario “Sonny” Turco (deceased); Joseph Turco (deceased); and Frank Turco (deceased), along with many nieces and nephews who remained close throughout her life.

Rose and John later retired to Mashpee, where they lived on Johns Pond and the family gatherings continued. They enjoyed traveling, whether by cruise or overseas trips, always finding a casino along the way. They also looked forward to spending time at their villa in Homosassa Springs together. Rose especially enjoyed playing craps and blackjack. They were longtime members of Pocasset Golf Club, where they spent many happy days on the golf course. Rose and John had 34 wonderful years together.

After John’s passing, Rose returned to Burlington in 2015, where she added an in-law apartment and lived with her daughter Paula and son-in-law Bubba. Never one to sit still, she began attending senior dances, where she met Otto Swanson, who became her dear friend, and one of her many dance partners. They both looked forward to their nightly FaceTime calls, and shared many laughs together.

Rose was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She treasured time with her family and took great pride in keeping close connections across generations. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, strength, and the joy she brought to every gathering.

She is survived by her loving family: Karen and Richard Weadick Jr. of Tyngsboro; Dr. Kurt Doherty and Lynn Doherty of Burlington; Paula and Robert McMahon of Burlington; Dr. Mary Connors and Rob Adams of Easton; John and Jeanenne Connors of Saugus; Anne and Ronald Kauffman of Hudson, New Hampshire; and Paul Connors of Saugus; and daughter-in-law Donna Doherty of Peabody. She also leaves her 12 cherished grandchildren: Rick, Erika, Kara, Devon, Lewis, Bobby, Kevin, Kyle, Paris, Lily, Dana and Amanda and her 11 beloved great-granddaughters, Emma, Andrew, Isabella, Ava, Keenan, Chloe, Kyle, Ryleigh, Isla, Teagan, and Payton, who always lit up her face.

Rose was the devoted mother of the late Anthony Doherty, Jr., who passed in 2019.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, June 12th from 10 am until 11:30 am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington.  Her Funeral Mass will be held at 12 pm at St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington.  Committal will immediately follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Rose’s memory.

Rose’s legacy of love, family, and tradition will live on in all who knew and loved her.