Rhonda P. Burke

Rhonda Pam-Shechter Burke, Age 72, passed away September 24th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family while she peacefully transitioned. She was born on January 27th, 1953, in Detroit and always called Michigan her home. Despite attaining a master's degree from Michigan State University, being a mother is her proudest accomplishment. Rhonda is a woman of extreme selflessness and generosity, always making sure everyone else's plates were filled before her own. When Rhonda wasn't cooking extravagant family meals and desserts, she was taking care of her beloved Yorkie's Gizmo and Marley. Rhonda's home is a warm welcoming place everyone could call their own and she made sure you never left with an empty stomach. Holidays were especially important to her, and she could make a spread that even Ina Garten could envy.
Rhonda married Frederick Gunnar Burke July 31st, 1993, and had a beautiful baby boy, Brandon Samuel-Keary Burke August 30th, 1996. Brandon and Rhonda were inseparable and joined at the hip, they created a bond that was unmatched. Brought before them were many road trips across the country celebrating family vacations and supporting Brandon's soccer journey. These adventures developed countless incredible memories we will cherish for a lifetime. There is nothing she enjoyed more than watching her son succeed and was always there to lift him up through all of life's challenges. Rhonda can rest peacefully knowing her life's work of raising a self-reliant, dependable young leader she's always envisioned has been fulfilled.
Rhonda was a champion of the community, she regularly volunteered her time and resources to the Holt School District, our local animal shelters and food banks. It was not unusual for her to go above and beyond giving back to the places that gave us so much joy. She made a huge difference in so many people's lives and never expected anything in return. For her the best repayment is spreading kindness and witnessing the smiles that followed her so closely.
Rhonda is survived by her husband Frederick Gunnar Burke, her son Brandon Samuel-Keary Burke, stepdaughter Jill Allison Burke, brother Marc Shechter, her grandchildren Lidia Cuello and Carlos Cuello. She leaves behind her faithful companions Marley, Angel, and Sushi. We will forever carry on Rhonda's legacy, fueling the light in life she brought to so many people. I love you to the moon and back.