Jane Durapeaux Burke, also known as Jean, was born July 19, 1934. She passed away peacefully at her home February 5, 2024 after a full and accomplished life. She was born to the late Mary Durapeaux and Alce “Guy” Durapeaux of Lake Arthur, LA. Her love of nature was cultivated while living there.
In her childhood years she would develop a love of fishing and crabbing and would also reference joyful time spent in Roanoke visiting at her grandparents’ home. In her teen years she had the opportunity to attend St. Charles academy. During these years, she would meet the love of her life, Paul Burke Jr. at the public swimming pool, where he worked as a lifeguard. After a love filled courtship, they were married. While Paul was in flight training for the Army Air-Corp they lived an adventurous life traveling. Tragically, Jane lost Paul in a flight training accident but not long before conceiving their only child, Paula. Jane conquered single motherhood while working at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office in the Civil Division and would eventually retire. She raised a bright and accomplished daughter who later became a college professor. Sadly, Jane had to overcome tragedy again when in 2002 her daughter, Paula, passed away.
Throughout life her character never wavered, she cherished all living things, human and animal. Feeding the birds and squirrels was a favorite part of her daily routine. She would put out seasonal feed for the migratory birds passing through. She would only purchase honey wheat bread for the squirrels because in her words, “it was their preference”. She would place peanuts in the shell along her kitchen window sill so the squirrels would visit her daily while she watched them from her kitchen table. She expressed her love of life through teaching her grandchildren life lessons that she had learned growing up and passing on her love of the outdoors. She was very old fashioned and found joy in sending handwritten notes and cards to friends and loved ones, even if they lived just across the street. The perfect way to summarize her life would be to say that she loved all of God’s creatures and showing that love was her greatest attribute. Now that she has returned to our Lord and Savior, she will be reunited with Paul and Paula. All of her life lessons, constant understanding, kindness and love will always be cherished by those who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Burke Jr.; daughter, Paula Burke Abel; mother, Mary Durapeaux Benoit; father, Alce “Guy” Durapeaux; brothers, Kenneth and Tyrone Durapeaux; sisters, Carol Naegele and Wilhelmina Oxford.
She is survived by her sister, Gayle Fontenot; grandchildren, Marcus Abel and wife, Claire, of Iowa, LA , Patrick Abel and wife, Talene, of Summerville, SC, Blair Abel Sonnier and husband, Ruston, of Jennings, LA; son in law, Mark Abel and wife, Karen, of Iowa, LA; brother in law, Patrick Burke and wife, Joy, of Pass Christian, MS, along with many great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend many thanks and appreciation to all her wonderful neighbors and sitters but most importantly, Jeff Meaux and Wayne Bebee.
