Josephine Burke

Surrounded by her loving family, Josephine Martha Burke passed on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Johnville, NB, on November 20, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Seretha (McQuade) Kilfoil.

Josephine is survived by her son Mel (Sherry) Burke; daughter Tracey (Ron Jordan) Burke; grandchildren Torie, Liane, Mark, Marianne, Erin and Ken; great-grandchildren Bennett, Lily, Ethan, Brooklynn, Addison, Jensen, Penelope, and Dean; adopted daughter Gail Hines; brothers Paul (Jane) and Doug (Maureen) Kilfoil; sisters Clara (Ray) Cavanagh, Dorothy Foster, Connie Demerchant, Shiela Kilfoil-Alexander, Sharon Templeton, Alma (Fred) Allen, and Trudi (Drake) Rogers; and many nieces and nephews. Josephine was predeceased by her husband Vincent; brother Melvin; and sisters Mary and Francena (Dugan).

Jo was very active in her Kingston Peninsula community from 1975 until her time of passing. A woman of strong faith, she was actively involved with St. Bridget’s Church where she attended mass regularly and volunteered many hours in support of “her” church. She was instrumental in getting the first ambulance service on the Peninsula in 1980. After 37 years of teaching at various schools, “Mrs. Burke” retired from MacDonald Consolidated School in 1997. Jo received the 2019 Kingston Peninsula Citizen of the Year Award from the Royal Canadian Legion Peninsula Branch No. 62 in recognition of her volunteerism with the Legion and her many contributions to the community. When Jo became aware of a need in the community, she was there; if she couldn’t help, she was excellent at finding someone who could.

Jo was an excellent seamstress, loved to garden, was an avid bowler and a wonderful cook. She loved to surprise friends and loved ones with their favourite goodies. 

Whether as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, or friend, Jo was there for everyone. She has left a lasting impression on all who knew her and her beautiful, generous heart.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful care and compassion during Josephine’s stay.

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (646-2424). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 17 at 11:00 am. Donations in Josephine’smemory may be made to the St. Bridget’s Building Fund, SJRH Palliative Care Unit, or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #62.