Anne Noreen (O'Rourke) Burchby
July 29, 1950 - November 8, 2016
Resident of San Jose
Anne Noreen Burchby was born to Helen and Jack O'Rourke on July 29, 1950, and was a fourth-generation San Josean raised in the orchards and farmland of East San Jose. She was brought up among fruit and nut trees, and played with pet chickens, dogs, and sheep as a young girl. This environment led Anne to join the local 4-H Club and show her animals at the Santa Clara County Fair. She attended St. Patrick School, and was a member of Presentation High School's third graduating class. (She stayed close to many of her St. Patrick and Presentation classmates throughout her life.)
Anne married Los Angeles transplant Steve Burchby in 1972. Together they raised two children and ran a small business (Burchby Construction). In the late 1980s, Anne began working as a tax accountant, which she continued to do for the rest of her life.
Anne lived her life to its fullest and treasured the company of those she loved: her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her brothers and sisters-in-law, her nieces and nephews, her cousins, and her many, many friends. All of these relationships made Anne the deeply happy person she was. She loved parties, travel, books, good food, a cocktail, Seinfeld, public radio, and a good laugh. She was an outstanding cook, a dedicated bicyclist, and a talented needlepointer and rug hooker. Anne loved keeping annual traditions alive in the family, like jam-making and growing tomatoes in the summer and baking during the holidays.
Anne is survived by her husband Steve, her children Casey (Lindsay) and Allison (Brian) Engles, three granddaughters (Lainey, Norah, and Andrea), and her brother Dennis (Nancy) O'Rourke. She was predeceased by her parents and eldest brother, Gene O'Rourke.
Most importantly, Anne is survived by the cherished legacy of love, happiness, and the great sense of fun she shared with all she knew.
A celebration of Anne's life will be held at Noon on Friday, December 2, at the San Jose Clubhouse, 15480 Union Avenue, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne's name may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association or KQED.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Nov. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Anne Burchby

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8 Entries

Celia Politeo

November 30, 2016

Warm and Funny, Smart and Stylish, these were the things about my cousin Anne Noreen that I noticed and admired during the earliest years of my childhood. In the late 1960s Anne was a busy teenager but always found time for me during my San Jose summer stays with our grandparents. On one particularly memorable morning Anne invited me to join her and her friends on an excursion to the beach in Santa Cruz. I was beyond thrilled to receive this invitation and even now remember vividly that beautiful summer day. I can still see Anne and her friends on their beach towels laughing and listening to the music coming from Anne's tiny transistor radio. They were every bit the "California Girls" described in that famous song that happened to come on the radio while we relaxed on the beach. Since that time, whenever I hear a Beach Boys song , I am often reminded of Anne and that magical day we spent together. Rest In Peace my lovely and fun-loving cousin. Heartfelt and everlasting sympathy to Anne's devoted family and dearest friends.

Denise Le Beau Callaghan

November 17, 2016

I remembered Anne from St. Patrick's, and when I had finished reading about her to my husband, he said "Sounds like a lovely person that lived a good life!". Indeed! Our prayers go out to your family and loved ones.

Cindy

November 16, 2016

I am sad to hear of Anne's passing. I knew her as a customer of many years at Cosentino's, where I worked until they closed. She always had a smile and was a highlight of the day with her warmth and kindness.

Frances Politeo

November 15, 2016

For my lovely cousin, Anne O'Rourke Burchby. I will always remember your laugh. I love you and will miss you.

Frances Politeo

November 15, 2016

I loved my first cousin, Anne O'Rourke Burchby. My 5 siblings and I spent a lot of time with Anne, Gene and Dennis when we were growing up, at the O'Rourke home in San Jose, and with our shared grandparents. When my father died in 1958, I shared 8 yr old Anne's bed for several weeks. I threw up one night in her bed, but she never made me feel bad about it. She was a gorgeous, loving person. Losing her hurts. I wish comfort and solace for her lovely husband, Steve, her brother, my cousin, Dennis, her children, Casey and Allison and her sweet grandchildren. Anne will live forever in my heart.

Patty McLaughlin

November 15, 2016

The light of our friendship will burn forever in my heart. You were truly one of my first best friends. Until we meet again. Rest in peace, dear friend. xoxo

Diane Golz

November 15, 2016

My husband and I met Anne through Heart Cycle. We only did a few rides together, but we connected with her big heart and spirit. So much fun to spend time with her. So happy that we knew her.

Dixie & David LaCroix

November 15, 2016

You will be truly missed for your laughter and shining personality.

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