Submitted by: Dan Rich

Dorothy E. Burke

Aug. 1, 1913 - April 28, 2006

South Bend Tribune 4/30/2006

Dorothy E. Burke, 92, of Mishawaka, passed away early Friday morning, April 28, 2006, in Holy Cross Care & Rehabilitation, South Bend. Dorothy was born August 1, 1913, in Tell City, Indiana, a daughter of the late Charles and Florence (Jarboe) Miller.

On August 17, 1940, in Tell City, she married Cecil P. Burke, and in 1949 they moved to Mishawaka. Dorothy was a homemaker and volunteered for many years at the Battell Center. She loved flower and vegetable gardening, and canned her own produce. Dorothy also was known as an excellent bread baker. She enjoyed riding her three-wheel bicycle, playing euchre, and playing the harmonica. Dorothy was a longtime member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka where at one time she belonged to the Rosary Society. She was a former member of the Elks Lodge.

Dorothy's surviving family includes a daughter, Rose (John) Gordon of Burnsville, NC; a son, Patrick D. (Inge) Burke of Osceola; six grandchildren, Richard Vergauwen, Yvonne Smith, Patrick Burke Jr., Amy Zook, Lori Boecher and Courtney Gordon; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews in Tell City. Dorothy also leaves behind her beloved dog, Carmel. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil in 1981; a daughter, Linda Vergauwen in 1999; a son, Cecil Donald Burke in 2003; and two brothers, Gabriel and Tony Miller, who were both from Tell City.

Friends may spend time with Dorothy's family on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 West Seventh Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Bavo Church. Dorothy's family would like to thank her neighbors and friends for their visits and concern. Also, thanks to the nurses and staff at Holy Cross Care & Rehab for their compassionate care during her final weeks.