Nancy J. Burns

Nancy J. (Baril) Burns, 86, of North Attleboro, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Alliance Health at Maples in Wrentham, Massachusetts. The daughter of the late Gerald and Ruth Baril, Nancy leaves behind a legacy defined by love, hard work, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and all those she held dear.

Born on August 26, 1939, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Nancy graduated from Cumberland High School and later from Our Lady of Fatima School for Nurses in 1959. In 1962, she married her beloved husband, Edward R. Burns. After his untimely accidental death in 1969, Nancy found herself a 30-year-old widow raising four young children, from a newborn to a six-year-old. From that moment forward, she dedicated her life to her family, balancing motherhood with part-time work at several North Attleboro businesses.

Nancy's remarkable work ethic, perseverance, resilience in the face of adversity, and selflessness remain a lasting inspiration to all who knew her. Nothing brought her more joy than attending her children's and grandchildren's activities and sporting events, and until her final days, nothing made her prouder than the success of her four children and the outstanding adults they became.

One of the most compassionate people one could meet, Nancy had an innate sensitivity to anyone who might be struggling. She was often quietly extending a helping hand-offering rides, financial support, or simply her presence-never seeking recognition, only wanting to help.

Nancy's happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. She was a devoted and very proud "Grammy" to 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her son Steven Burns and his wife Lisa of North Attleboro; son Edward Burns, Jr. of Attleboro; daughter Susan Johnson and her husband James of North Attleboro; son Thomas Burns and his wife Suzanne of Attleboro; and her brother Dennis Baril and his wife JoAnn of Plainville.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Nancy was predeceased by her sister Joan Chapron, her nephew and godson Eric Chapron, and her grandson Kyle Johnson.

Nancy's family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Alliance Health at Maples for the compassionate care they provided to her over the past four years.

Services will be held privately and arrangements are under the care and direction of the SPERRY-MCHOUL-PICHI FUNERAL HOME in North Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA.org) in honor of Nancy's lifelong love of animals, especially her cherished pet dogs over many years -Bruno, Barney, and Benji.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, kindly visit www.sperrymchoulpichi.com.