Barbara A. "Judy Zabelski" Burns

Worcester – Barbara A. "Judy" Burns, 82, of Worcester, entered eternal life on Sunday, January 4, 2026 in the Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after an illness.

Judy leaves behind her husband of 22 years, James A. Burns; her two sisters, Donna Harris and her husband Victor Harris, and Annette Zabelski both of Plainfield, NJ and several nieces and nephews.

Judy was born in North Arlington, NJ daughter of the late Leo and Helen (Pechkis) Zabelski and is also predeceased by a sister, Christine Kosielski and a brother in law, Thomas Kosielski.

Judy was employed for the majority of her career in the medical industry , with a dedication to caring for the elderly. She worked as a registered nurse and director of nursing at many local nursing home facilities in Worcester County until she went to work in Boston for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a nurse surveyor and then as a supervisor resolving complaints against nursing homes.

She will be remembered fondly by her many friends and co-workers, especially her cherished longtime friends Holly Toomey and Donna Allen. Judy was also known as "Sister Judith" when she lived in Brockton at a younger age with the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified(S.J.C), a Lithuanian order dedicated to the service of Lithuanian immigrants..

Judy had an affection for animals and loved the many pets she had over the years including her dogs and the birds that she had adopted. She could often be found reading or spending time antiquing where she found many dolls that were added to her antique doll collection over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by her good friend, Fr. David Doiron will be held on Thursday, January 8 at 11 AM in Saint Columba Church 10 Richards Ave. Paxton. Burial will take place at a later date in New Jersey with her parents.

Memorial contributions in memory of Judy may be made to EWTN 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210.

Alfred Roy & Sons – Henry Funeral Service Memorial Chapel 33 Ward St. Worcester is directing arrangements.

To share a memory or to sign the guestbook for Judy, please visit www.MarchandMemorialHomes.com