Obituary published on Legacy.com by Nichols Funeral Home, Inc. - Wilmington on Jul. 7, 2025.
Janet M. (Burchsted) Gilhooly, age 78, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away at home, on July 4, 2025, with her family at her side.
Janet grew up in North Weymouth; she was the daughter of the late Russell and Annie (Wolfe) Burchsted. Janet was raised and educated in Weymouth and a graduate of Weymouth High School. She spent many fun-filled summers with her large extended family on Cape Cod.
Janet was a long time employee at Verizon, and she attended Bentley College. Janet met a handsome young man Henry "Hank" Gilhooly; he swept her off her feet, and they married in 1970. The couple raised their family in Hank's hometown of Wilmington. Janet was a devoted wife and mother; she loved her home, and her door was always open to family and friends. She was an amazing cook who loved to entertain and have her house full of family and friends. Janet enjoyed having her morning coffee on the front porch and if it was too cold outside, she'd enjoy it by the front window so she could still have her morning coffee with a view. Janet and Hank cherished their evenings on the front porch where they enjoyed the tranquil views, people watching, chatting with neighbors, and sharing conversations with their many close friends. Janet was an active member of the Tewksbury/Wilmington Emblem Club. Janet enjoyed and cherished spending time with her family and dear friends. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren as she truly enjoyed causing mischief with them and showering them with love (from cooking their favorite meals, making the smallest moments sparkle, or being their biggest fan). Following retirement, Janet and Hank worked with friends and family at their mom and pop real estate business. They loved the life they built on Silver Lake so much that they never left town, as they had three separate addresses on the same piece of land over their 50 years of marriage. Janet's world became even more enriched when she became a grandmother or "Grammy" as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren.
Janet will be fondly remembered as a vivacious and outgoing lady who loved her family, loved life, loved to share her love of the Cape (including sharing her "cape codder" tips with the grandkids and their friends on how to catch a razor clam and pick up a crab without losing a finger), made and shared many beautiful afghans with family and charities, loved going for Sunday rides in the convertible with Hank (and getting ice cream of course), loved music (especially going to the oldies shows with Hank and their friends). Janet loved her family and friends with all her heart. She will forever live on in their hearts and the memories they created.
Janet was the devoted wife of the late Henry Gilhooly. Devoted mother of Howard Gilhooly and his wife Lisa of Chicopee; and Erin Gilhooly-Smith and her fiance Dennis Chaves of Assonet. Loving Grammy of Aidan and Katie Gilhooly of Chicopee, and Tommy and Annie Smith of Assonet. Dear sister of the late Roy Burchsted and his wife Adelaide of Brockton; Russell Burchsted and his late wife Nancy of Wilmington; and Joyce Burchsted and her partner Timothy Brosnan of Dennis. Dear sister-in-law of Mary Lou Irwin and her husband William Irwin of Fallston, MD. Janet is further survived by many special cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many dear friends.
Janet lived her life with love, kindness, strength, and integrity and she left this earth with the same. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering. The relentless heartache from Hank's passing and her battle with dementia did not steal her intrinsic kindness, or her unwavering love and appreciation for all who cared for her. Even in her final days, Janet shared her love, pride, and appreciation of her family and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave (Rte. 62),
Wilmington, MA, on Wednesday, July 9th from 11:00am-12:30 pm. A graveside service will be held in Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Ave.,
Wilmington, MA, at 12:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Janet's name may be made to
Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Office of Philanthropy 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com