Minnie Burke

BURKE. Minnie Burke, 91, of West Suffield, beloved wife of the late Edward T. Burke passed away at home Wednesday, (July 18, 2012) surrounded by her family. Born September 22, 1920 in Paterson, NJ daughter of the late Samuel and Minnie (Young) Stapert. She had lived in West Suffield the past 59 years. Before retiring she was employed by Sweetlife Co. She was a long time parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, Suffield. Minnie was an avid fan of the Red Sox and enjoyed tennis and all her Golden Retrievers, but most of all was devoted to her family. She is survived by her seven children, Edward Burke, Jr. and his wife, Carol of Plantsville, Peter Burke and his wife, Linda of Spicewood, TX, Richard Burke and his wife, Cheryl of Suffield, Gail Daley of Westfield, MA, Patricia M. Carberry of Spicewood, TX, Dawn Burke of West Suffield, Lori Gagliardi and her husband, Michael of Plantsville; a brother, William Stapert and his wife, Caroline of Casper, WY; a sister, Gladys Olsen and her husband, Warren of Fuquay-Varina, NC; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Grace "Sis" Claus of Fairlawn, NJ. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Sam, Peter, Elmer and John Stapert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 23, 2012, 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 446 Mountain Rd., Suffield. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Suffield. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808 or to Suffield Emergency Aid Association, 450 South St., Suffield, CT 06078.