Suzanne “Sue” E. Burke, 83, of Avondale, died Saturday, Feb. 10, at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the wife of Raymond G. Burke, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in Shamokin, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Cecilia (Koveleski) Brown.
Suzanne enjoyed a long career working for the state government of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, Lansdale and Coatesville. She helped manage the state unemployment office in both Lansdale and Coatesville, which gave her great joy in helping others. As a proud parent to five sons and one daughter, Suzanne enjoyed being a den mother for her son’s Cub Scouts. Raising her children was her ultimate pride and joy.
She was an accomplished classical pianist and enjoyed sharing her talent with family and friends. Suzanne was also an avid hiker, swimmer, skier, ice skater and reader. The little spare time she did have, she spent doing crossword puzzles and sewing. Sue donated to many charities, some of which were the native Indian children as well as St. Luke’s Children’s hospital just to name a few. To this day, she still receives thank you cards from the Indian reservations.
Sue was a devout Catholic. In her early years, she played the organ at church. Later, she taught in the CCD program, at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Clarks Summit, PA. During her retirement years in Avondale, she was a faithful member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.
Survivors include, in addition to her husband Ray, sons, Raymond J. Burke (Maura) of Avondale, David M. Burke (Renee) of Goodrich, Mich., Christopher J. Burke (Donna) of Rochester Hills, Mich., daughter, Suzanne M. Burke (John) of Chadds Ford and son Joseph N. Burke (Lisa) of Woodstock Ga.; two brothers, Bernie Brown (Joanna) of Dawsonville, Ga. and Casper Brown of Carlsbad, N.M., along with many grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, George M. Burke in 1987 and brother, Marty Brown.
You are invited to visit with Suzanne’s family and friends from 9 – 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church 300 State Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. A mass celebrating her life will follow at 11. Interment will be at Longwood Cemetery, Kennett Square.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 399 Market St. Suite 102 Philadelphia, PA 19106 or to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Arrangements are by Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (610-869-2685) of West Grove. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com
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