Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2025
Pamela Burke Obituary
Penacook, NH - Pamela M. Burke, a long-time resident of Penacook, passed away peacefully on October 13 at The Arbors in Bedford, NH.
Pam was born May 6, 1942, in Burlington, Vermont, the daughter of the late Robert O. and Muriel (Barber) Munn.
A dedicated educator, Pam became the principal of Merrimack Valley High School after many years of classroom teaching. Pam was recognized as NH's Principal of the Year in 1998 and led the school to distinction in 2003 when MV was named the NH High School Representative of Excellence. Pam was a member of St. Paul's Church. She loved reading, sailing with her husband Jeff, time with her family, and her Florida vacations.
Pam was predeceased by her husband of nearly 42 years, Jeffrey H. Burke, in 2003, and her son-in-law, Michael Miller, in 2021. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Burke and her husband Timothy Groleau of Miami, Florida, Catherine Burke and her wife Susan O'Connor of Penacook, and Sarah Miller of Penacook; her sister, Constance and her husband Robert Gilbert of West Springfield, Massachusetts; her cherished grandchildren, Michael Groleau and his fiancé Rebeccah Heeb, Adam Groleau, Oscar, Charlie, Georgie, Jackie, Susanna, and Dorothy Miller. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends also survive her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul's Church, 21 Centre St., Concord, on Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 am.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Pam's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation (alz.org) or the New Hampshire Humane Society (nhhumane.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Burke
Alicéa Family on the wings of Claire Clarke
October 23, 2025
My mother adored her, my family respected her- the most caring, kind and accepting person. Always will be missed, never forgotten
John martel
October 19, 2025
I enjoyed listening to
her lectures in
her classroom next to mine
Annmarie Timmins
October 18, 2025
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Burke during my years at MVHS. She encouraged my classmate and me to enter the national history contest - and let us do a project on John Lennon when everyone else in the state was focusing on wars and presidents, the obvious choices. When we didn´t make even third at the state competition, we were sure we had lost. Actually we won and headed to Washington D.C. - thanks to Mrs. Burke. She was a highlight of high school.
Bob Marchand
October 17, 2025
As a Police Officer, I was invited to her You and the Law Class at Merrimack Valley. I went there several times and I found her and her students very enjoyable. Years later, my wife and I met her at a restaurant. It was a very nice reunion. She will be missed.
Kathy Baum
October 17, 2025
The decades we spent at MV were filled with times helping young people grow and develop. As a staff we had many happy memories too. My heart goes out to the whole family. May God bless you all with strength and His peace. Sincerely Kathy Baum
Deborah (Cullen) Brink
October 17, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. Pam was a treasure and a wonderful person and educator.
Darlene Cleveland Urban
October 17, 2025
I had Mrs. Burke as an English teacher back in the early 70´s. She was the only teacher that caught me signing her name to my library passes. I was obsessed with reading and disliked study halls. I would skip school to go to the Concord Library. I am a retired educator now with many degrees, my favorite is in Reading Education. Mrs. Burke was an inspiration to become an educator
Chad
October 17, 2025
I was a student of Mrs. Burke at Merrimack Valley in the mid to late 80s. I will remember her as a truly dedicated educator. I'm saddened to hear of her passing, but also feel a sense of pride having been part of her educational legacy as one of her students. Godspeed Mrs. Burke. Thank you for your dedication.
Audrey Blodgett
October 17, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ms. Burke´s passing. She was a wonderful teacher. She managed all four of us in school as a teacher and then took on the second generation when she became principal.
Bonnie Beaton Rowell
October 17, 2025
Was a delight to know had her in English class
Debbie (Blodgett_) Cotnoir
October 17, 2025
Sad to hear this news. Mrs. Burke was a great teacher and an even better principal. You will be missed.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Pamela Burke's name
Memorial Events
for Pamela Burke
How to support Pamela's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Pamela Burke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
