Obituary of Joan S. Burke
Joan Sharpe Burke of Pittsford, died on February 16, 2020 at the age of 87, at The Episcopal Home in Rochester, NY.
She is survived by her seven children Patrick (Gail) Burke, Molly Burke, Laureen (Ted Shepard) Burke, Margaret Burke, Adrian (Nancy) Burke, David (Judith) Burke, Frances (John) Karas; grandchildren Brian (Mary) Burke, Daniel Burke, Kathleen (Brett) Dameron, Alexander Botoman, Maureen Botoman (Andrew Scarcella), Caitlin (Bennett) Kireker, Patrick Sutter, Michael Sutter, Matthew Sutter, Jacqueline (Sam) Madden, James Burke, Andrew Burke, Grace Burke, Jack Burke, Julia Karas, Jay Karas and great grandchildren Olivia, Aiden and Benjamin Burke and Lucas Kireker. Joan was married for 66 years to John F. Burke who died on February 11, 2019.
Joan graduated from St. Ambrose School and Mercy High School in Rochester, New York. She attended St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame for 3 years where she met and married her husband of 66 years, John Burke. She returned to Rochester and graduated from the University of Rochester
She was a devoted wife and mother and will be missed by all. Joan loved to travel and regularly brought home new ideas about food and wine to grace the many large dinners she presided over. Joan was also an avid snow and water skier. From an early age she endeavored to pass on her interests to her children, whether by taking them to the rope tow at Powder Mill Park to learn to ski or venturing to NY with her oldest children for the 1964 World’s Fair. Once her children were raised she drove her husband to courthouses around upstate New York for trials and then spent her day at the local ski resort perfecting her skills.
Joan was an active mother and community member. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and the garden club as well as a girl scout leader for many years.
Joan and John raised their family in the Browncroft Boulevard section of the 21st Ward at St. John the Evangelist Parish and the family enjoyed their summers together at home on Eagle Point on Conesus Lake for over 40 years.
A private family burial service was held on February 21 at Holy Sepulchre Ascension Garden in Henrietta, NY. Based on current community health concerns, no memorial service is planned at this time.
Longtime members of the Catholic Church, both Joan and John were devoted especially to the women who chose to serve the church as nuns teaching them and their children. They regularly, quietly provided support directly to the sisters during their life.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to
Our Lady of Mercy Motherhouse
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
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