Elizabeth Burke

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elizabeth Jean "Bette" Burke (née DeVico), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who entered eternal rest on February 6, 2026, in Kahului, Hawaii. She was 88 years old.

Born on October 22, 1937, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Alexander and Katherine DeVico, Bette grew up in Plainfield before embarking on a life filled with love, service, and devotion. She pursued her education at Muhlenberg Nursing School and continued her studies at Upsala College and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her dedication to nursing led to a remarkable career spanning over three decades at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, New Jersey. Beginning as a Labor and Delivery nurse, Bette’s skill and leadership saw her rise to the position of Director of Labor and Delivery—a role she held with great pride and compassion.

Bette married John "Jack" Burke and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They raised their children in Rockaway, New Jersey, where Bette was an active member of St. Cecilia Church. A devoted Catholic throughout her life, she attended mass weekly at St. Cecilia Church in Rockaway; St. John Neumann Church in Berlin, Maryland; and St. James Church in Springfield, New Jersey. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she sang in the church choir at both St. Cecilia and St. John Neumann churches and taught Baptism classes alongside her husband Jack at St. John Neumann.

After retiring from her distinguished nursing career, Bette moved to Ocean Pines, Maryland. There she continued to give back to her community by volunteering at Atlantic General Hospital and the Ocean Pines Library. She also found joy playing mahjong with friends and sharing her culinary talents through cooking and baking for loved ones—a passion that brought people together around her table.

In 2020, Bette relocated to Union, New Jersey to live with her son Denis Burke and his family. This move allowed her to spend cherished time watching her grandchildren grow up and attending their school activities and sporting events—moments that brought immense joy to her later years.

Bette’s warmth extended beyond family; she was known for her generosity, humor, and incredible cooking skills that left lasting impressions on all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons Robert Burke, Denis Burke, daughter-in-law Ingrid Torres-Burke, grandsons Jaiden Burke, Edward Burke, and Alexander Burke; as well as her brother John DeVico. She was predeceased by her husband John Burke; son Timothy Burke; parents Alexander and Katherine DeVico; and Aunt Madeline DeVico.

A woman of many talents who touched countless lives through her work as a nurse, volunteer efforts within the community, devotion to faith-based service projects like teaching Baptism classes alongside Jack or singing hymns during Masses will be remembered fondly by those fortunate enough cross paths with her over years whether professionally personally alike.

May Bette's memory always bring comfort & inspiration to those knew and oved her dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. James the Apostle Roman Catholic Church 45 S. Springfield Ave.