Josephine Burke

East Lansing

Died peacefully on August 5th at her home for the last 14 years, Timber Ridge Assisted Living, in East Lansing.

Josephine was born on January 29, 1921 to Mattieu and Fedorah Kordyban of Waugh, Alberta, Canada. In 1947, Josie met Thomas Burke, recently returned from five years in the European Theater of Operations with the Canadian Army. Josie and Tom married in Vancouver, British Colombia in 1948, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, raising two children in Redford Township.

Josie is survived by her daughter, Dr. Gail Burke of East Lansing, her son, Dr. Adam Burke of San Francisco, grandson Patrick Sherman and his fiancée Josie Vetrano of Atlanta, and sisters Alma and Katherine.

Josie will be remembered for her deep faith, her generosity of spirit, and her writing talent, which resulted in publication in multiple newspapers, and prize-winning national jingles for companies including Crest, Crisco, and Cunningham's.

Her children remember her as the most selfless and generous person they’ve ever known, always looking for the good in each person she encountered. She never said an unkind word about anyone. Her Catholic faith was the rock in her life. Josie was never far from her rosary, and prayed for those in need on a daily basis. All who knew her will forever miss the smiling woman with the magic pen and the heart of gold.

The funeral mass will be held Friday, August 7, 2015, 10:00 am at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 MAC Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 with Fr. Mark Inglot officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those desiring may make contributions to Tribute Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel.

On line condolences may be made at

www.greastlansing.com

.