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Karan Burke Obituary
SOUTH BEND - Karan P. Burke, 61, of Fairlawn, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012. She was born to Ara and Kate Parseghian in Oxford, Ohio on 6/6/1950. She moved to South Bend, Indiana and graduated from John Adams High School in 1968, Notre Dame in 1973 and later finished a master's degree. She married Jim Burke in 1974 and has two sons-Jim and Michael. Karan deeply believed in the goodness of others and never spoke an unkind word. Her compassion and kindness were matched only by her resilience and tenacity. As disability from Multiple Sclerosis accumulated over decades, she never complained or despaired. Rather, she found contentment in whatever she could do -- from watching Notre Dame football to reading in the sun on Marco Island. At the same time, she quietly defied disability -- raising her boys, traveling the world and maintaining close connections with her large network of friends and family. Family was the focus of Karan's life. Her compassion, kindness and unwavering love will be missed by her husband (Jim); her parents (Ara and Katie); her sons (Michael and Jim); her daughter-in-law, Lori, her granddaughters (Kate and Maggie); her siblings (Kriss and Mike); her close-knit extended family and friends, and all touched by her simple kindness. Karan's family received friends at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St., Akron, on February 14, 2012, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. A funeral service for Karan will take place privately. Memorial donations may be made to the Burke Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Archbishop Hoban High School, One Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, OH 44306. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to leave messages of sympathy to Karan's family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Karan Burke
Mark Bobseinwe
November 8, 2012
I was a fellow English major along with Karan. I was also a second rate football player much to the consterantion of Ara. Karan was an elegant and lovely young lady, sensitive and smart.
40 years ago
Mark Bobseine
John Darsee
October 6, 2012
I also attended John Adams High School and went to Notre Dame a couple of years ahead of Karan. I am deeply sorrowed to learn of her death but amazed at the long and productive life she had, overcoming such extraordinary obstacles.
george beres
June 26, 2012
I feel I knew Karan by my knowing her Mom and Dad, Katie and Ara. In the midst of sorrow, they must remember the joy Karan brought them and all who knew her. They remain in our thoughts as always.
rich coffey
June 25, 2012
Busy with my life, I let friends drift from my life and, now at the end, try to find all those roads they traveled down. Karan was a great friend and I will always remember the Dudes and Dudettes, your mom's world famous cheese cake, your father's charisma and your kindness.
June 17, 2012
We have just learned of Karan's passing & wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to your family at this time. We will keep her in our prayers. Margaret and Wally Moore
February 23, 2012
We truly cannot express the true depth of our sorry over Karan's loss -- we know
she is with God but we know the deep
sorry of not having your cherished
love with you. We are keeping you
in our heart and prayers -- may God
bless you with his Love in making you
strong during these very sad days.
We love you so very much!
Lyn Leone & Mike Holton
Vicki Frenk( Dillman)
February 21, 2012
To Karan's family and many friends,
Karan has been in my thoughts for many years. I attended JAHS with her and although I didn't know her well, I do remember well how kind she was, truly beautiful inside and out. The outpouring of love and respect from our classmates on FB, as well as the beautifully written obituary, confirmed what I always suspected, that her disease only strengthened her inner beauty. I loved reading how she stayed a 'step ahead' of her boys while seated:) Karan's family has endured much, I cannot imagine. God bless all of you and the gifts she left for you, her two boys and grand babies.
February 21, 2012
Katie, Ara, and Family,
Our love and prayers are with you all during this sad and difficult time. May many wonderful and precious memories speed peace to your hearts. Jim and Sandy Brown (Granger, IN)
Bob Freeman
February 20, 2012
Jim, Sorry to hear of your wife, Karan's, passing. I met her at our class reunions.
Our prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you strength and love to ease the sadness of her passing.
Pat Bowen
February 20, 2012
To the Burke's and all the Parseghian family. We were so sad to hear the news of Karan's passing and extend our deepest sympathy to all. I fondly remember the wonderful times shared in high school, at Portage Point Inn, the amazing ND wins, the weddings---but most of all Karan's inner strength and beauty, her voice of reason, and her incredible smile. She was my inspiration to become a physical therapist. Our thoughts are with you. With much love, Pat(Peiffer)Bowen and John Bowen.
Greer family
February 18, 2012
Katie, Ara, Jim and Family, we are saddened to learn of Karan's passing. Our deepest sympathy goes to all of you for the loss of a truly wonderful person. May you all find solace and peace in the knowledge that she is a rest with the Father.
Mike and Peggi DiNicola
February 16, 2012
Jim;
We will have you and your family in our prayers...Karan was a sweet lady and we feel fortunate to have met her.
-Mike and Peggi DiNicola
Gus & Shirley Foster
February 15, 2012
Jim, Lori and Family - We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Mother. Our sympathies are with all of you.
Mary Bourke
February 15, 2012
Katie and Ara
My sincere sympathy on Karen's passing. My prayers are with you.
Zach and Lauren London
February 15, 2012
We are so sad to hear this news. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with you all.
Norm Bower
February 15, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Karan, but as a student at ND in the early 70s, I read a column by LA Times sports writer Jim Murray about Ara and Karan preparing to walk down the aisle at her wedding, and it was so poignant that I have kept the column for almost 40 years. I am sure she appreciated family that day and every day. Take care.
February 15, 2012
To the Burke & Parseghian family; My sincere sympathy in your loss of such a courageous and gracious woman. I pray that you find comfort in your memories of her in the years to come. Carolyn Horvath (JAHS -68)
Lou & Maria Ferrello and Family
February 14, 2012
To The Burke & Parseghian Families
You have our deepest sympathy on Karan's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Hickey
February 14, 2012
Karan and I attended John Adams High School together. Although I didn't know Karan well, I admired her beautiful smile, intelligence and inner beauty.
My love and heartfelt condolences are with the Burke and Parseghian families. May the loving memories of Karan help ease the deep sadness of her passing. Rest in peace, Karan.
Cynthia Morgan
February 14, 2012
Dear Mr. Burke and family, We consider it an honor to always have cared for Karan during her hospital visits at Summa Akron City.We always admired the quiet strength that she displayed. We feel so fortunate to have met the both of you.We will pray for you all.Cindi and Cindy Wound Care Nurses
February 14, 2012
We send our love and prayers to you and hope during this difficult time that all your friends and family will give you comfort in the loss of beautiful Karan. Our thoughts are with you.
Nancy and Michael Esposito
February 14, 2012
Karan's goodness and courage reflected that of her parents. We know and love them. So without meeting her, we knew and loved Karan.
George and Silvia Beres
Zach Goldberger and Erin Fouch
February 14, 2012
To Jim and Lori--our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.
Zach Goldberger
February 14, 2012
Jim--our thoughts are with you, Lori, Kate, and Maggie. --Zach Goldberger and Erin Fouch
Jeff Urband
February 14, 2012
Karan and I graduated from John Adams High School. Although I was not as close to her as some of her friends, but this much I know. I remember Karan for her inward and outward beauty, her intelligence, her strength, compassion, character and indomitable spirit. Karan possessed so many valiant qualities, especially her ability to give. Karan will long live in our memories and our hearts. I send my heartfelt condolences, sympathy and love to the Burke and Parseghian family and friends during this time. God bless Karan and God bless you all.
Hugh & Debbie Cole
February 14, 2012
Dear Jim, Jimmy, Michael, and all of Karan's family,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Karan was a strong woman to endure the life she was given. She always had that infectious smile on her face even when things were so hard for her. Jim, you were her rock. We are so happy that you were our neighbors and friends.
February 14, 2012
To The Burke and Parsegian family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We will always remember Karan as wonderful mother, wife and a very dedicated person.
God bless all of you.
Jane and Paul Drexler-Venice, Florida
Sally and Ron Hadinger
February 14, 2012
Please accept our condolences and prayers at this sad time. Sally and Ron Hadinger
Bob and Palmer Fogler
February 14, 2012
Palmer and I send our most sincere condolences to both the Burkes and Parseghians during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan Devetski
February 14, 2012
To the Burke and Parseghian Families:
So sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.
Dan and Karen Devetski
Brian & Micki Boulac
February 14, 2012
Karan has been and will continue to be a beacon of strength and beauty to all of us blessed to have been touched by the Parseghian and Burke family. Her smile and wit would light up the room! That memory lifts our hearts beyond our grief to celebrate her life and legacy today. With love and prayers now and always.
Bob McCann
February 14, 2012
Jim and Family:
I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
Joyce Manley
February 14, 2012
To the Burke Families, You have growm to be like family to me and I want to express my deepest sympathy to you.You have such a wonderful caring spirt among you, I know with prayer and faith you will be able to get through this difficult time. May all the good memories carry you through the days ahead. Sincere sympathy, Joyce Manley.
February 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karan and her family. They did so much for many of us.
Tyrone Robinson
ND Subway Alum
February 13, 2012
Requiescat in pace.
Denny DePrimio
February 13, 2012
To all of Karan's Family:
Please accept my family's condolences and prayers. Know that Karan is seated at the banquet with Our Lord, Our Mother, and all of heaven, awaiting our return.
Barb Kelly
February 13, 2012
To the Burke and Parseghian Families,
You are like family and the loss of Karan is immeasurable. What a spirit and what a fighter she was...what a beautiful person both inside and out. Thoughts and prayers to all of you as you remember a beautiful soul. So much love sent to each of you.
Barb Kelly, Alison and Ryan Lincoln
Mike and Sandi Creaney
February 13, 2012
To the Burke and Parseghian Families:
We extend our hearts and prayers to you for Karan's loss, just as Our Lady has surely extended Her personal welcome to Karan as Her own.
February 13, 2012
The Allan family offers our loving thoughts and prayers to the Burke and Parseghian families. Karan was a beautiful person.
Mo and Denny Allan
Peter Moulder ND 71
February 13, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the Burke and Parseghian families. Her father (Ara) has to be the most inspirational person to have ever lived.
Sharon Smith
February 13, 2012
We have all lost a beautiful, intelligent, large-hearted, loving and caring woman in our lives. I've known Karan and the family for over 20 years. It was always a joy to talk to Karan. I will miss her. My condolences to the entire family.
John Cieszkowski
February 13, 2012
A warm smile, and a fighting spirit has been silenced. We all have lost something special. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Cisco
Steve Quinn
February 13, 2012
Sandy & I wish to express our sincere sympathy to the Burke & Parseghian families. May Karan rest in peace and God bless you all.
February 13, 2012
The Valdiserri family extends our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Burke and Parseghian families. May Karan rest in peace and may our loving Father continue to give you the strength you need.
Rick Valdiserri
Leo Collins
February 13, 2012
Dear Coach Ara and family, We send our thoughts and prayers again to your family and hope that the love and care that you have shared with all of us will help you agin during this difficult time. Sincerely, Leo and Gwen Collins and Family ND 67
Mike and Beth Peiffer
February 13, 2012
Our prayers and deepest sympathy.
Dave Redle
February 13, 2012
Mary and I express our deepest sympathies to all of the Burke's and Paraseghians. Karan showed all of us how to live life's challenges with bravery and dignity-- and keep a good sense of humor in spite of it. You all are in our pryers. Dave and Mary Redle
Kevin Kelly
February 13, 2012
Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God bless you all.
Kevin & Carrie Kelly
Tom Eaton
February 13, 2012
To the Burke and Parseghian families: Pam and I send our love and prayers to all of you. We hope that you will remember all of the good times. Know that Karan is now in the loving embrace of our heavenly family. Pam and Tom Eaton
February 13, 2012
Kriss, Humbie and the Parseghian and Burke Families: We send our love and prayers for your precious Karan. May she rest peacefully with her family in heaven.
Rooney and Tom Russell
Patricia Kelly
February 13, 2012
Burke's and Parseghian's, We love you dearly. Please know there are many prayers sent your way during this time.
With heavy hearts, Patti, Michael, Matthew Kelly
Susan and David Casper
February 13, 2012
To The Burke and Parseghian Families:
Our prayers are with you.
Mike McCoy
February 13, 2012
To The Burke and Parseghian Families:
Kia snd I want to express our condolences to you. Please know our prayers are with you at this time. Mike and Kia McCoy
February 13, 2012
Jim:
Please accept the payers and condolences of our family at the loss of Karan.
May you and your sons be strong during these days and know God is with you and Karan rests now in the arms of Jesus and Our Lady.
Bob Neidert
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