Norma (Carlson) Burke

Norma Carlson Burke, RN, died at her home on the morning of Thursday, January 4, with family members at her side.  She was recently predeceased by Albert V. Burke, MD, her loving husband of 59 and a half years.

Mrs. Burke was born on October 3, 1933, in Middletown, Connecticut.  She was the daughter of Andrew J. Carlson and Jennie C. Carlson, who had come to America in the 1920's from their native Sweden.  She had one brother, Arne C. Carlson, who passed away in 2008.  Mrs. Burke grew up in Cromwell, Connecticut, and attended Middletown High School.  She went on to graduate from the Hartford Hospital Nursing Program.  It was while working at Hartford Hospital that she met Dr. Burke.

Mrs. Burke and Dr. Burke were married on July 12,1958 at St. John's Church in Noroton, Connecticut.  They subsequently resided in Norwalk, including their residence of nearly fifty years in East Norwalk.  While she was a talented nurse, Mrs. Burke stepped aside from full time nursing to devote herself to her life's work: raising her six children with Dr. Burke, while supporting him in his professional career.  While Dr. Burke's accomplishments were many, he was the first to admit that they would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of his wife.  And as between her job as the primary caregiver to a large family and his as a medical profession, Dr. Burke was quick to acknowledge who he thought had the tougher job. They were a perfectly matched pair with boundless love for one another.

While a woman of beauty, intelligence and immense grace, Mrs. Burke was also beloved by her friends and family for her quick wit and kind manner.  In addition to her devotion to her family, which eventually expanded to include eleven grandchildren, Mrs. Burke was active for many years at St. Thomas the Apostle School, the Norwalk Hospital Women's Board, and the Treasure House, a thrift store operated by the Women's Board for the benefit of the Norwalk Hospital.  She was also an avid sportswoman, with a fondness in particular for tennis.             

Mrs. Burke is survived by her children: Thomas A. Burke (Lisa) of Binghamton, N.Y.; Andrew J. Burke of Raleigh, N.C.; Sarah E. Burke, R.N. (Brian Sullo), of Danbury; Allyson B. Reiter (Bruce) of Annapolis, Maryland; John M. Burke (Alice) of Chicago; and Maura B. Murchake (Richard) of Norfolk, Va.  Another son, James Burke, died as an infant.  She is also survived by her eleven beloved grandchildren.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 8, at 11 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.  Internment will be in St. John Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Norwalk.  Donations in her name may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Ave., Norwalk, CT, 06855.

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