Judith Dunbar Burke

Judith Ann Dunbar Burke, 84, of Bradenton, FL, passed peacefully on August 1, 2022.

Judy was born on July 21, 1938 to Alonzo B. Dunbar and Carolyn W. Dunbar, in Scranton, PA, and grew up in Mill City, PA. She attended Audobon (NJ) High School before graduating from Douglass College in 1960. She then went on to work for E.R. Squibb & Sons.

On April 19, 1962 she married Jack Rowan Burke, and together they raised their three sons in Baldwin, NY, their home of 43 years, where she was active in her church. Judy went on to hold administrative positions at Adelphi University and Hofstra University, and during this time she earned a Master of Arts from Adelphi.

After retiring, Judy and Jack lived for a time in Exeter, PA, and ultimately, Bradenton, FL, where she was very active in her community. They had recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Along with her family and faith, Judy was a passionate quilter, and found much joy in creating personalized quilts for friends and family, especially her grandchildren, for whom these treasures will keep her spirit alive. She often contributed to the Quilts of Valor organization, providing several handmade quilts which were awarded to Service Members or Veterans touched by war.

She also loved her red wine, pink flamingos, colorful gerber daisies, antiquing, crafting, brain-teasers, and preparing the oft-requested chicken and biscuits or lemon squares for her family!

In addition to her husband Jack, Judy is survived by sons Jack Rowan (J.R.) Burke Jr. and wife Allison, Chris Dunbar Burke and wife Valerie, and Scott Allan Burke and wife Donna, along with grandchildren Alexander, Craig, John, Lauren, Cameron (C.J.), Haley, and Bridgette.

She is also survived by her sister Linda Janet Dunbar Jones and husband Barry, sister-in-law Bobbie Burke O'Donnell and husband Albert, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Judy's remains will be buried at the family plot in Pennsylvania, and arrangements for memorial services in both Pennsylvania and Florida honoring Judy's life are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the donor's organization of choice.