Mary Eleanor Burke
1928 - 2004
Burke, Mary Eleanor – 76, of Gilbert Road, Parrsboro (Greenhill) passed away peacefully Thursday, December 23, 2004 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan surrounded by her family. Born in Georgetown, P.E.I., she was the daughter of the late Milton and Martha (Gotell) Hemphill. She was educated in the Georgetown Schools and in 1941 she moved to Pictou with her family. In her teens, she was employed at Gaudet’s Grocery and MacKenzie, Irish and MacDonald Wholesalers. Eleanor was a valued member of Stella Maris Choir and studied voice under Laura Hurst. Following her marriage to Bernard Burke, she moved to Parrsboro where she raised her family with great pride and was a second Mother to numerous young people. Eleanor was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and a dedicated community volunteer, especially with the Parrsboro Citizen’s Band, which was directed by her husband Bernie. She was a life long member of St. Brigid’s Church, St. Brigid’s Choir and was a valued member of the Catholic Women’s League. Afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease in her later life, she was one of Dr. Ivar Mendez’ most successful Deep Brain Implant patients. She was renowned for her quilting and fancy work skills and she was known as the “Blueberry and Strawberry Queen” of Parrsboro. She is survived by daughters, Donalda White, Brenda Wheaton (Billy), Doreen (Lester Wheaton), Patricia, all of Parrsboro; son, Paul (Debbie), Meadowvale Village, Ont.; grandchildren, Aron and Angie White; Ryan and Patrick Wheaton; Sarah Thivierge, Ian, Lee-Mike and Sarah George; Tangi and Kelly Burke; great-grandchildren, Mason Thivierge and Kyle George; sisters, Connie Kent, East Baltic, PEI; Joyce Tucker, Jean MacDonald (Archie), Audrey Melanson, all of Pictou; brother, Elwin Hemphill (Janet), Pictou. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard in 2002; a sister, Thelma; brothers, Walter, Ralph, Milton Jr. A celebration of Eleanor’s life will take place on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Father David MacDonald officiating. Burial in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Program of South Cumberland Community Care Centre, Parrsboro or to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada (Maritime Region). Arrangements entrusted to Smith’s Funeral Home, Parrsboro.
