MARK BURKE

1925 - 2023

BURKE, MARK October 11, 1925 - February 25, 2023 Mark passed away peacefully, at Scarborough Grace Hospital on Saturday morning. He was born in England and moved to Canada in 1952 to begin a new and exciting chapter in his life. He was a loving and devoted husband to Thelma Burke, until she passed on June 17, 1998. In 1999, he met and married Dr. Kevser Burke who passed on June 12, 2013. He was also predeceased by his mother, Kitty Burke; father, Sidney (Solomon) Burke (Berkovski); as well as three sisters: Rose McEntaggart, Sonia Bartlett and Marie Shannon. Mark moved from 561 Melrose Avenue, Toronto, to 201-1883 McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough, with his second wife Kevser, in December 1999. Here he met Giovanna (Joanna) De Giorgis and her daughter Carolyn. They became fast friends. It is so true that friends are the family we choose. Carolyn was treated as a granddaughter and they were thrilled when she gifted them with a Smart Oven for allowing her to use one of their parking spots. After Kevser's passing in 2013, Mark was not alone. He participated in many De Giorgis functions. He was blessed with an exceptional guardian angel, Joanna and her canine companion, Chloe, who always got excited when she was told they were going to visit Grandpa. He was surrounded with love and care in a most wonderful and unique way. Thank you, Joanna! His dear cousin Deanna Samuels, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, spoke with Mark on a regular basis and visited often with her partner Dr. Gary Polonsky. Mark quite enjoyed kibitzing with Gary; they shared the same witty humour. In April 2018, Mark moved to a retirement home at Shepherd Terrace, part of Shepherd Village in Scarborough, 3758 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 420A. The staff of Shepherd Terrace treated Mark with exemplary dignity and care. We thank all there, from the bottom of our hearts. On Thursdays, Mark had regular video-chats with some of his nephews and niece: David Bartley, Michael Shannon, Kevin McEntaggart and Yvonne Bates (nee McEntaggart). Other participants were Deanna, Toby Shannon and other Canadian friends. Mark was introduced to a new member of Joanna's family in 2022. Carolyn had met a very nice, young man, Kevin MacLean. He and Carolyn made weekly visits to Mark for a visit, share a meal or to give him a glorious shave. When asked what was his favourite part of the shave, he would smile and say, "the hot towel." Kevin feels honoured to have had the privilege of meeting this wonderful man whom he came to love so deeply as a grandfather. Mark, you were a special person in many ways: wise, giving, hospitable, caring and fully human in all its best qualities. We all enjoyed your conversations and witty, cheeky humour. Your company was a joy and hard to resist. You were a gift to us. You brought so much joy into our lives. You lead a long and productive life. You are in a better place now enjoying your new life in Heaven as a just reward for a life well lived. Well done, Mark! You have earned your wings! Mark's funeral service was held at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Ave. W., North York, ON M3J 2P1, at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023. Service was followed by interment at Pardes Shalom Cemetery, 10953 Dufferin Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S2 (north of Major MacKenzie Drive and just north of Teston Road). A small reception was held to celebrate Mark's life immediately following interment, at Remezzo Italian Bistro, 3335 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, ON M1T 3K2, (416- 498-8848). Respectfully, no flowers please. If one so chooses, a donation may be made to shepherdvillage.org (select Memorial Donation) or to a favourite Charity of Your Choice.