Susan Ellen Burk

Susan passed away on Sunday, July 10th, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 29th, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois to John G. and Susan E. (Syers) Novak, the oldest of three children.

In 1978, Susan graduated from Hollywood High School. On January 8th, 1983, she married the love of her life, Robert Thomas Corominas Burk. From their union, they were blessed with an only daughter, Katy. As only children need to be entertained, Susan made sure to engulf Katy’s life with her many passions including, but not limited to, music. Susan's love of music grew after performing in several musicals in high School and in college at Los Angeles City College where she briefly attended. She joking would tell people that her daughter could sing before talking and dance before walking. So diverse was her taste in music that her iPod and laptop were littered with over 10,000 song tracks from every genre in every style. Her favorite music was derived from the “Dr. Demento Show” which included Weird Al Yankovich. Susan’s last concert was enjoyed with her daughter this April at the Key Arena staring Rod Stewart with opening act, Stevie Nicks. A cherished memory provided on behalf of a friend securing tickets through the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Besides her love of music, Susan entertained several other pursuits including knitting, crocheting, arts & crafts, reading, and watching horror flicks. She meticulously handmade Katy’s Halloween costumes, one year converting her into Wednesday Addams. Surely her love of literature and movies were the source of her costume inspirations. She enjoyed the works from the whole book collections of Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Anne Rice. When she was more in a movie mood, “B” Cult Classics and Asian horror flicks were top on the list.

Susan is preceded in death by her Husband of 23 years, Robert Burk, on September 16, 2006; Uncles, Lenny Pales, Bill Johns I, Alan Johns; Aunts, Sally Pales and Mary Pizzarusso-Lawton; and Mother-in-law, Felicia Corominas. She is survived by her Daughter, Katy Burk; Parents, John Novak Sr. and Susan Syers; Brothers, John and Michael Novak; many loving extended family and friends.

A private family memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Aids United Foundation*, a cause Susan was very passionate about:

United Aids Foundation

Attention: Donations in memory of Susan Burk

1424 K Street, N.W., Suite 200

Washington, DC 20005

(202) 408-4848

email: [email protected]

website donation: www.aidsfund.org

*AIDS United is a 501(c)(3) organization and some or all of your contribution may be deductible.

Sue will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to be graced by her life. She will be forever loved and cherished.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.