Loretta Burke

On Sunday, July 21, 2013, of Arlington, VA. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of Mary Ellen and Lawrence Burke. In 1949 she began a career with United Airlines, first serving as an office receptionist at LaGuardia Airport and soon after becoming a stewardess. She was one of the most senior flight attendants in company history, retiring at age 78 with more than 57 years of service. She lived in Colorado, California, New Zealand and Paris during her career, but her home base was Arlington, Virginia. Loretta leaves many friends around the world. In 1998 she was featured on ABC evening news and The Today Show, highlighting her commitment and dedication to a career that saw numerous changes over time. She is survived by her sister Eileen Allen of Manchester, NJ and was predeceased in death by sisters Myra Caffrey and Kathleen Pigaga, and her brother, David Burke. She loved to spend time with her many nieces and nephews and was known affectionately as "Aunt Trixie" as a result of her humor and penchant for playing tricks. A memorial service will be held at a later date.