IVY, Virginia
Agatha "Bing" Martin Burke Agatha "Bing" Martin Burke, 89, of Morningside of Charlottesville, died peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Born in Schenectady, New York to Frederick Martin and Agatha Shanahan, Bing graduated from Russell Sage College and went to work for General Electric. There she met the love of her life and husband for over 65 years, David Burke of Hoosick Falls, New York. While in Schenectady, Bing gave birth to her three children, David, James and Barbara. In 1959, the family moved to Scarsdale, New York, where Bing enjoyed many years raising her children and accompanying David to social and business events in New York City and around the world. Bing was a very bright woman, excellent conversationalist and enjoyed the many talented and diverse groups of people they met in their travels. In 1973, Bing and Dave moved to Westport, Connecticut, for the relocation of General Electric. There they built their dream house and enjoyed new sets of friends and living in the country for 33 years. In 2006, they moved here to Charlottesville where they spent several happy years at the Colonnades. When their health declined they moved to Morningside of Charlottesville Assisted Living. Again, Bing made close friends of whoever she met and was loved by staff and residents alike. Bing is survived by her husband, David Burke of Morningside; her son, James Burke of Bisbee, Arizona; daughter, Barbara Bell and her husband, Dave, of Ivy, Virginia; granddaughter, Haley Burke of San Francisco, California; and daughter-in-law, Ellen Burke of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along with her parents, Bing was preceded in death by her eldest son, David Burke and her sister, Mary Finn. The family would like to express its appreciation for the excellent care by the staff at Morningside and Bing's wonderful care givers from Open Arms, Helping Hands. The family will inter Bing's remains in Hoosick Falls, New York, with a private Mass being said at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Alderman Road. In lieu of flowers, please make an effort to help others and be a friend to all. That was her way.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
Dear Barb, Dave, Jim and Haley and Ellen, and especially Mr. David Burke,
The Spauls family send their deepest sympathy. It is always difficult to lose your mom,Grandma, and wife, no matter what your age. May she rest in peace knowing she was loved so much by all.
Vivienne
March 21, 2013
Barbara,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. It was an honor to know her and always a pleasure to talk with her. My thoughts are with you, your Dad and the rest of your family.
Bob Stevens
March 20, 2013 | Gordonsville, VA
Barbara and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very sad time. Mrs. Burke was truly one in a million and she will be greatly missed. I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with her and for all the conversations we had. Such a beautiful lady inside and out. She was an Angel here on earth and I know she's enjoying her wings in Heaven!
Jennifer Burns
March 19, 2013 | Ruckersville, VA
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 19, 2013
Words can't express how I felt when I got the news. You will truely be missed Mrs.Burke. Working for you and Mr Burke this past year has been one of the best years since I have became a CNA. I will miss your smile and our conversations. Especially the stories you would tell me about when you and Mr Burke traveled to different countries. You were one to worry about others before yourself. I will always remember you Mrs Burke. Heaven has received another beautiful angel. I LOVE YOU!
Latisha Louderback
March 19, 2013
Barbara,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I admire you and God will bless you for the care you have given to your parents during the later years of their lives.
Elnora Grooms
March 19, 2013 | Charlottesville, VA
