A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Kathleen Burke, D.C., was celebrated October 31, 2018, at DePaul House Chapel, Albany, N.Y.; burial followed at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. Sister Kathleen died at St. Louise House on October 26, 2018. Sister was 75 years of age and 57 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Born in Syracuse, N.Y., January 14, 1943, Sister Kathleen was one of seven children born to Gerald William and Elizabeth Ann (Hayes) Burke. Sister Kathleen graduated from Cathedral High School, Syracuse, in 1960. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education at St. Joseph College, Emmitsburg, Md., in 1964. She also completed graduate work toward permanent certification in Library Science at the Bridgewater State Teachers College, Bridgewater, Mass., in 1977.
Sister Kathleen entered the Community of the Daughters of Charity in August 1961 from St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Syracuse. Following initial formation, Sister Kathleen taught at St. Joseph’s School, Holbrook, Mass., (1964 to 1969); served as Librarian at Utica Catholic Academy, Utica, N.Y., (1969 to 1976); and as Librarian at Notre Dame High School, Utica, N.Y., (1976 to 1977). Sister Kathleen next ministered as Religious Education Teacher and Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Parish, Oneida, N.Y., (1977 to 1980); Religious Education Teacher and Coordinator at St. Agatha’s Parish, Canastota, N.Y., (1980 to 1981); Resource Teacher, Astor Early Childhood Day Treatment Center, Bronx, N.Y., (1981 to 1985); Assistant Outreach Worker, St. Joseph’s Church, Albany, N.Y., (1985 to 1986); and Pastoral Associate, St. Joseph’s Church, Albany, (1986 to 1988). Sister was next missioned to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, N.Y., (1989 to 2000, during which time Sister served as the Local Community Superior from 1999 to 2000). Sister served at St. John’s Parish, Brooklyn, N.Y., (2000 to 2009). In 2009, Sister was missioned to DePaul House, Albany. In 2012, Sister Kathleen entered the Ministry of Prayer at St. Louise House, Albany; she served there until the time of her death.
Sister Kathleen will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have been a recipient of her ministry as the Sister who spoke softly and always had a smile.
Sister Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Christine; and her brother, William. She is survived by her sisters, Sharon Morris of Woodstock, N.Y., and Patricia (Patty) Burke of Syracuse; her brothers, Jerry Burke of Syracuse, N.Y., and Michael Burke of Syracuse; nieces; nephews; and her Sisters in Community.