Brenda was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her kind spirit and gentle soul left an impression on everyone she met. Her extraordinary life journey is one to be admired. Brenda’s love to travel started at a young age when she crossed the ocean to marry her ‘Sweet William’. Brenda met Bill when he was stationed in England during WWII and was a member of the British Wives Club, later the Transatlantic Brides. Mrs. Burke, along with her husband Bill, was a very involved member of First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL. She was a living example of her faith: with a compassionate, selfless, and tender heart, she served the Lord by showing grace and patience for all who crossed her path. In her early years, Brenda enjoyed working as a Tea Room Model in St. Louis, and then spent 16 years at the Greater Belleville Savings and Loan. She was also a member of Belleville Elks Lodge 481, Belleville/Swansea Woman of the Moose Lodge 1221. She had a permanent reservation at Fischer’s Restaurant, where many memories were made throughout the years. You could find Brenda on the dance floor, kicking up her heels to Big Band music. She enjoyed her “cuppa tea” and sharing her English traditions, painting, and entertaining friends during happy hour. Above all, her family was the light of her life. Her greatest joy were her precious children, including their dear spouses and dearest Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, William R. Burke, whom she married on May 11, 1946, and who died on November 2, 2017; a son-in-law, Fred Leone; and her parents, William J. and Mary Jane, nee McCrum, Tipping.
Surviving are a son, Robert (Judi) Burke of Greensboro, NC; two daughters, Linda Leone of Belleville, IL, and Kimberly (Dale) Hindman of Belleville, IL; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Laura) Leone, Nicholas (Alissa) Leone,Kevin (Emily) Burke, Andrew (Laura) Burke, Amanda Cox (fiancé Matt Ahlberg), Broc Hindman and Cory (Grace) Hindman; ten great-grandchildren, Isabella Leone, Matthew, Jonathan, and Ryan Burke, Holden Burke, Caleb and Carly Cox, Hailey Hindman, Piper and Arya Hindman, and one more on the way; dear friends, Denver Russ and Beverly Crum of Belleville, IL; special cousins, Norma, Paul, Edna and Edna Dell; and many other wonderful friends and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Esquiline ‘A Life Plan Community at the Shrine’ for the love and care given to our Mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church or pay it forward by offering a kind gesture to a stranger, in memory of Brenda Burke. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: Due to current restrictions, Private funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Friday, November 13th, 2020 via zoom, at First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Robert Dyer officiating. A celebration of life and graveside ceremony will take place next spring.
Zoom information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81687792322?pwd=aXdybDNrWEd5ZzlDeTF2bWhHUG43QT09
Meeting ID: 816 8779 2322
Passcode: 479818
Burial will be at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery, Waterloo, IL.