Sr. Bernardine Burke

Bernardine was born in Corner Book, NL on October 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Stan and Margaret (Tompkins) Burke. She entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1949 and made first Vows in 1951.

Sr. Bernardine was a gifted musician and for forty years she shared this gift with students young and old, from elementary school to the ST. FX music department. Her teaching began in Port Hood then onto Antigonish. When Bernardine finished her teaching ministry she opened another chapter in her life at Exodus House in Halifax, where she offered women who found themselves in difficult situations her great capacity for presence and care.

Her final years were spent at Parkland Cape Breton and the CND Health Center. Although she lived with dementia for many years, she faced it with grace and humour.

Sr. Bernardine is survived by her sister Catherine Burke pbvm, and loving nieces and nephew. She was predeceased by sisters Olivera (Reginal) Bowering, Mercedes (Howley) Redmond, Mary and Theresa who died in infancy and a brother William who died in infancy.

We are grateful for Bernardine’s life and her loving commitment of God which was expressed through her life of mission and service within the Congregation of Notre Dame.

Visitation will be held Tuesday July 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at TW Curry Parkview Chapel. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Mass will be livestreamed via TW Curry Parkview Chapel website.