Obituary for Geneva Alice (Pelkey) Burke
Geneva (Gee) Burke (age 88) passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on September 22, 2021 in Newport, VT.
Geneva was born on April 30, 1933 in Newport, VT to Joseph and Eva (Davio) Pelkey, the youngest of 11 siblings. She attended Newport High School where she played the French horn and was a fantastic cheerleader. This is also where she met the love of her life, Bernard Burke, who she would marry in 1953. After brief periods living in Texas and Oklahoma, Bernard and Geneva settled in Newport, VT where they raised 2 boys, Randy and Ricky Burke. Geneva worked for Broadview Hospital, the Superintendents Office in Derby, and the Newport City Offices as the Assistant Clerk for many years up until her retirement. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 21, and the Eagles Auxiliary.
Geneva was a spitfire, never afraid to speak her mind. In her younger years, she was very athletic and loved the outdoors. An excellent swimmer, she was known to swim great distances at Clyde Pond. She would also join her husband fishing from time to time. Geneva was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching her sons play. During her retired years she enjoyed bingo, playing cards with the girls, cheering on (or criticizing) the Boston Red Sox, playing piano, puzzles, crochet, coloring, and reading. She was known by her family for her spaghetti sauce and boiled dinners, and taught both of her sons how to cook. Geneva always kept a full candy dish, and was known for her homemade chocolates and fudge that she would give to family and friends at Christmas time. She was also known by many for making the Original East Side Restaurant BBQ sauce. Geneva had strong faith and said her prayers every night, praying for her family and all their pets.
Geneva was predeceased by her parents, 10 brothers and sisters: Lucretia, Edward, Earl, Vivian, Dorothy, Gordon, John, Floyd, Oliver, and Leonard, and her loving husband of 68 years, Bernard Burke, who passed in March of this year. The family is grateful that they weren’t without each other long, and feels peace knowing they are together again.
Geneva is survived by her son Randy Burke and wife Linda, son Ricky Burke and wife Lisa, 4 devoted grandchildren: Reilly Burke and fiancée Ashley Aldrich and daughter Alyssa, Reid Burke, Katelyn Burke and partner Sheamus Morrissey, Connor Burke and fiancée Andreah Ovitt, 2 great-granddaughters: Hailey Morgan Burke and Eva Dee Burke, several loving nieces, nephews and cousins, many wonderful friends, and her special kitty companion, the Munchkin.
The family would like to give special thanks to family members Bill and Jeanie Bransford, Gail Curtis, Pam Covell, Linda Cota Deth, Susie Prue, and Bill Bailey, along with friends Karen Hisman and Karen Robitaille, as well as the VNA.
Per Geneva’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Geneva Burke to the Gardner Park Grandstand Preservation Association Inc. Please send checks to: Joel Collins, Secretary, 398 Sias Ave., Newport VT, 05855. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please visit awrich.com to share your memories and condolences.
Geneva was born on April 30, 1933 in Newport, VT to Joseph and Eva (Davio) Pelkey, the youngest of 11 siblings. She attended Newport High School where she played the French horn and was a fantastic cheerleader. This is also where she met the love of her life, Bernard Burke, who she would marry in 1953. After brief periods living in Texas and Oklahoma, Bernard and Geneva settled in Newport, VT where they raised 2 boys, Randy and Ricky Burke. Geneva worked for Broadview Hospital, the Superintendents Office in Derby, and the Newport City Offices as the Assistant Clerk for many years up until her retirement. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 21, and the Eagles Auxiliary.
Geneva was a spitfire, never afraid to speak her mind. In her younger years, she was very athletic and loved the outdoors. An excellent swimmer, she was known to swim great distances at Clyde Pond. She would also join her husband fishing from time to time. Geneva was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching her sons play. During her retired years she enjoyed bingo, playing cards with the girls, cheering on (or criticizing) the Boston Red Sox, playing piano, puzzles, crochet, coloring, and reading. She was known by her family for her spaghetti sauce and boiled dinners, and taught both of her sons how to cook. Geneva always kept a full candy dish, and was known for her homemade chocolates and fudge that she would give to family and friends at Christmas time. She was also known by many for making the Original East Side Restaurant BBQ sauce. Geneva had strong faith and said her prayers every night, praying for her family and all their pets.
Geneva was predeceased by her parents, 10 brothers and sisters: Lucretia, Edward, Earl, Vivian, Dorothy, Gordon, John, Floyd, Oliver, and Leonard, and her loving husband of 68 years, Bernard Burke, who passed in March of this year. The family is grateful that they weren’t without each other long, and feels peace knowing they are together again.
Geneva is survived by her son Randy Burke and wife Linda, son Ricky Burke and wife Lisa, 4 devoted grandchildren: Reilly Burke and fiancée Ashley Aldrich and daughter Alyssa, Reid Burke, Katelyn Burke and partner Sheamus Morrissey, Connor Burke and fiancée Andreah Ovitt, 2 great-granddaughters: Hailey Morgan Burke and Eva Dee Burke, several loving nieces, nephews and cousins, many wonderful friends, and her special kitty companion, the Munchkin.
The family would like to give special thanks to family members Bill and Jeanie Bransford, Gail Curtis, Pam Covell, Linda Cota Deth, Susie Prue, and Bill Bailey, along with friends Karen Hisman and Karen Robitaille, as well as the VNA.
Per Geneva’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Geneva Burke to the Gardner Park Grandstand Preservation Association Inc. Please send checks to: Joel Collins, Secretary, 398 Sias Ave., Newport VT, 05855. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please visit awrich.com to share your memories and condolences.