Bernice J. Burke

Bernice J. Burke, 103, of Rockville, beloved wife of 49 years to the late Frederick W. Burke, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013.

She was born Oct. 11, 1909, the daughter of the late John and Julia (Geiser) Harrison.

She leaves a granddaughter and grandson, Debra J. Amprimo-Spaulding and Randy G. Spaulding of Enfield; a special niece, Dawn Friedl; her sister-in-law, Pauline Burke of South Windsor; a special "adopted daughter," Jeannine LaVoite; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Betty B. Amprimo and Robert A. Amprimo; her brothers, Russell Harrison and Samuel Harrison; and her sisters, Ann Marszalek, Evelyn Carlson, and Hazel Ronan.

She was civil defense plane spotter during World War II and she worked for Lapointe industries for 21 years. She was a Community Renewal Team volunteer for over 30 years at the Franklin Park Senior Community Cafe, where she loved her volunteer work and many friends. She loved to go out to eat, shopping and especially bingo. Her dear friends, Lorraine Fiderici, Marilyn Eden, and Elaine Tebbell always made sure she got to bingo. She always liked going for coffee with Dorris Caine.

The family would like to thank Rockville General and her surgeon, Dr. Vipal Duo, for his delicate hands in her procedure. A special thanks to all the great people at Vernon Manor for her wonderful care, and Dr. John Schifferdecker and his staff for always being there for her.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT 06066, with a funeral home service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vernon Manor, 180 Regan Road, Vernon, CT 06066.

For online condolences please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com