Adelina Lazar Burke

Adelina Lazar Burke, age 80, returned to the Lord’s embrace on June 7, 2026, with her children by her side. Adelina was a resident of Surprise, Arizona. Born on April 7, 1946, in Leyte, Philippines, Adelina carried with her a quiet strength shaped early in life and sustained by love—especially the enduring bond she shared with her grandmother that she affectionately called Nanay, who raised her and held a cherished place in her heart.

In her life’s work, Adelina poured herself into the home with steadfast devotion. She was, in every sense, the ultimate wife and mother—selfless, humble, and deeply loving in the daily ways that mattered most. Her care was not loud or showy, but constant and sacrificial, expressed through steady hands and a determined will that never wavered when her family needed her.

Adelina’s kitchen was one of her greatest gifts to those she loved. Her cooking skills were unmatched, and she was especially known for her Filipino dishes and home cooking. She never cooked from a box; every dish was homemade from scratch—simple in spirit, yet rich with love that made people feel at home.

She also had a gift for making life flourish. With a green thumb and a practical brilliance, she planted flowers and food like a professional. While living in Missouri, she maintained a large garden, then canned, dehydrated, baked, and stored foods masterfully to ensure the best quality to feed her family. Even in the quiet rhythms of ordinary days, her brave perseverance and stubborn determination were evident—always aimed toward providing, protecting, and loving well.

Her hands were rarely still. Adelina could be found crocheting or sewing at any given time, and in her early years she was a seamstress—a skill she used to bring joy to her children by creating their Halloween costumes by hand throughout their childhood, making clothes, and reupholstering furniture. In these acts, so often done without fanfare, her beloved presence was felt: gentle, steady, and giving.

Adelina’s faith was Catholic, mostly self-practiced in her later years, and she would go to church when she could. It was a strong but quiet devotion—rooted more in constancy than display—reflecting the humble way she lived and loved.

In 1975, she married the love of her life, Joseph Burke Jr. From their union came their children Joseph III, Kimberly, and William. Adelina’s legacy lives on, in the family she cherished so deeply, with her three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren: Joseph III, Tawny, Trevor, Kaylin, Joseph IV, James (Mercy), Alana, and Maeve; Kimberly, Aaron, Alyssa (Randy), and Xavier; William, Jennifer, Ciara, and Adelina. She is also survived by her sister Sally (Steve) Forsberg, nieces, nephews, in-laws, long distant relatives, and friends who will keep her memory close in their hearts forevermore.

Adelina was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Burke Jr., in 2016. Joseph waited patiently for his Tusky and now they will be together til’ the sun dries up the sea.

A visitation will be held at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, US, on June 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.