LOIS DOREEN BURKE

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LOIS DOREEN BURKE

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Lois Doreen Burke, who left this world peacefully on June 1, 2025, in the loving arms of her family.

Mom was born on November 6, 1933, in Goderich, Ontario. She came from a large family with 11 siblings, growing up on a farm where her father grew vegetables for the Heinz Company. At age 15, after the passing of her mother, she was sent to London, Ontario to work as a nanny. It was there she started doing volunteer work, offering chocolate samples at Laura Secord. This is probably also where she developed her famous sweet tooth as Mom was well known for her love of desserts.

In 1953 she married Bill, a childhood friend of the family, and began a new adventure as an army wife. They were posted to Germany, London, Kingston, Toronto, Carp and Whitehorse. In 1967, they were posted to Shilo where Dad retired a short time later. They purchased 40 acres of land and built their own little piece of heaven, filling it with fruit trees, flowers and gardens. Mom's favourite place in the world was sitting on her swing in the back yard watching the birds splash in the bird bath.

Mom's hands were always busy. Crafting everything from Barbie doll clothes to sweaters, one year she made over 500 Care Bears for Christmas Craft Sales. We loved her baking and there was always an endless supply of treats waiting for us after school. An avid reader, she loved True Crime and had always had a book on the go. Dad's friends told him that he better treat her right because she knew everything about forensic science. A huge Brandon Wheat King fan, she faithfully attended their games for 14 years and never willingly missed a Brandon Winter Fair. We will dearly miss her love of games and how the dice were always waiting close by.

Mom's true calling was her volunteer work where she made a lasting impact in the community. She contributed to many fundraising events in Douglas as a member of the Women's Institute for 45 years, worked at the Shilo Thrift Shop for 33 years and was a valued member of Seniors for Seniors for 14 years, where she folded countless ERIK kits and helped prepare Meals to Go. She knitted hundreds of pairs of mitts that she donated to various schools and the Bear Clan. No wasn't a word in her vocabulary.

Mom always remained positive and upbeat with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She could lift anyone's spirit, even in the darkest times and there was never a day that went by where she didn't give or receive a hug.

She leaves behind her children, Patty Mann (Robin), Gail, Steven (Leah) and Cindy as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) and son Billy. Mom also leaves behind so many wonderful friends who will forever miss her bright and beautiful personality.

Her greatest wish in her last days was to be surrounded by people she loved and the stream of visitors that came to see her filled her heart with joy. How lucky are we to have had something so beautiful that it makes saying goodbye so hard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Seniors for Seniors, 311 Park Ave E. She did not want sorrow at her passing but a true celebration of her amazing life, full of happiness and joy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of her favourite organizations including Home Care, Brandon General Hospital, Salvation Army or Christmas Cheer.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 07, 2025