Augusta H Burke

Augusta Burke, 93, peacefully entered heaven on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Victoria House Assisted Living in Austintown. Ohio. She was born May 5, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Andrew and Hermine Bollman. Augusta attended Woodrow Wilson High School and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She married the love of her life, Ray William Burke on May 9, 1953. Together they built a family grounded in love. She is survived by a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward, including her five children: Ray (Janice) Burke, Terri (Mark) Duncko, Bill (Cheri) Burke, Judy (Bruce) Bell and Pat (Rachel) Burke. Her remarkable legacy also lives on through her grandchildren: Melissa (Dave) Hudak, Heather (Jon) Gunn, Tracey Duncko, Becky (Johnny) Russo, Andrew (Michelle) Burke, Jennifer (Brad) Showalter, Jonathan (Amy) Bell, Joshua Bell, Bethany (Tim) Hutchison, Summer Burke, Emily Burke, Isaac Weiman, Izzy Weiman, and great-grandchildren: Tyler, Kylie, Rylie, Lily, Izzy, Gio, Carmine, Oliver, Charlie, Carter, Addie, Easton, Joslyn, Cohen, Lennie, Simeon and Jubilee. She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Hermine Bollman, husband Ray Burke, sisters Rose Marie Burke, Georgia Stefano, sister-in-law, Jean Vance, brothers-in-law Harold Burke, Thomas Burke and Tony Stefano.

For many years, Augusta dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a nurse, offering comfort and healing. She served many years as a pediatric nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, as a registered nurse at the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co, and at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation. In August 2025, she was honored with a Living Tribute Ceremony by the Nurse Honor Guard of Eastern Ohio, Delta Xi Chapter, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to the profession of nursing. But to those who knew her best, she was so much more than her profession. A true matriarch, Augusta's love for her family was often woven by hand. She crocheted countless afghans, ensuring that family and friends were always wrapped in something warm that she made just for them. She also taught her daughters and other family members how to embroider and that tradition has carried on to some of her great granddaughters. She loved planning family picnics to Boardman Park and to the family's favorite swimming pool, Smelko's and she selflessly worked to make those events so memorable. Augusta was a woman of delightful passions. She had a lifelong fondness for Dopey from Snow White, opened her home and heart to several beloved beagles and bled black and gold as an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She was also a loyal OSU fan and went by the name "Woody" to several family members. However, her gentle nature as a caring grandmother and nurse ended the minute she sat down at the card table. She was a legendary card player who took great delight in absolutely smoking anyone brave enough to challenge her at Bid 500.

She was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Poland, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 30, at 2:00 pm at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.

The family is so grateful for the extraordinary care she received at Victoria House Assisted Living for the last 12 years and for Buckeye Hospice for their palliative and end-of-life care. We feel a deep sense of gratitude to all who cared for her so lovingly.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.