Sister Elizabeth Mary Burke, SSG
June 22, 1946 - April 30, 2009

A radiant presence.  An unforgettable laugh.  A force of nature.  These are only a few of the phrases that have been used to describe Sr. Elizabeth Mary Burke, who entered into the Glory of God on April 30, 2009.  She died in her sleep after a long illness, during which she was a lesson in love, faith, perseverance, and humor to all whom she encountered.

EM, as we often called her, was always the first to welcome a stranger as a friend, the first to come to the aid of those in crisis, the first to take on what needed to be done.  Her immense enjoyment of life enhanced us all.  And her faith inspired and encouraged us.  It still does.
 

Sister Elizabeth Mary Burke earned a master’s degree in social work and was director of programs for a not-for-profit home care agency in New York City.  In her home parish of Holy Trinity, South River, New Jersey, she was active in music, liturgy and outreach.  She mentored in the Education for Ministry program and worked with "Happening of New Jersey," a program to help teenagers have a deeper Christian experience. Sr. Elizabeth Mary was also a member of the Order of Saint Luke and a Associate of the Community of Celebration and the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory.  For many years she was an organizer and member of the board of the Finger Lakes Conference.
 

Serva Servorum Dei