Joseph Malcolm Burke

Joseph Malcolm Burke, age 88, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on July 24, 2023 at his home in Halifax. Born in Halifax, Joe was the youngest child of Malcolm (“Mackie”) and Priscilla (Samson) Burke. Joe was predeceased by his wife of 55 years Helena Lorraine (d’Eon) Burke.

He grew up a proud “Northender” and remained in touch with his childhood Northend friends, meeting them for their regular coffee just a few days ago. As a young man, Joe worked at the weather office, dockyard and telegraph office in Halifax and then in New York before returning to work for Canada Post in Halifax. He then convinced Helena to marry him. They moved the family to Barrington Passage briefly and then to Shelburne in 1973 where he was Postmaster until he retired in 1991. Joe and Helena were part of the fabric at St. Thomas’ Parish where they worked on marriage preparation courses, and Joe was a lector and part of the choir. Joe and Helena were also regular square dancers at clubs in Shelburne and Liverpool. He bowled in 5-pin leagues and volunteered for Special Olympics bowling. He was an avid golfer, being a member for many years at the Shelburne County G&CC in Clyde River and the Pubnico Golf Club. He continued playing golf until he was 86, a feat his sons can only hope to match! In 2011, Helena finally agreed to Joe’s longstanding request to move back to Halifax to be closer to the children and grandchildren. There, Joe was a regular parishioner at St. Catherine’s Church.

Joe is survived by his son Norman, his wife Karen and their children Matthew (Katie), Alex (Emma) and Patrick; his son Andrew, his wife Christine and their children Nathan, Jordan, Aaron and Caroline; his son Michael, his wife Carmen and their children Ryan and Michaela; and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his wife Helena and his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Audrey (Danny) MacIntyre, Doris (Martin) Surette and Norma (Perry) Stone.

Visitation will be Monday, July 31, 2023 from 6-9pm at J.A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 am Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 6476 Bayer’s Road, Halifax, with reception to follow in the church hall. Family interment to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Fighting Blindness Canada, Chalice or to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent by visiting www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.

Joe missed Helena terribly for six years. Now they are together again.