GRACE BURKE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GRACE BURKE (nee TAYLOR) After a courageous battle with cancer, Grace Burke, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, at 12:05 a.m., February 9, 2016. She leaves to mourn her passing, her loving husband of 60 years, Bruce Burke, her wonderful daughters, Marie Rucki (Julius), Valorie Mikolajek, and Brenda Rindt (Paul); grandchildren, Michael Rucki (Reagan), Brad Rucki (Jesy), Christina Nichols (Ray), Jasmine Gregg (Tyler), Christopher Mikolajek, Cassandra Klaassen (Calvin) and Geoffrey Rindt; great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Clayton, Lucas, Aleks, Sydney, Kasey, Nathan and Taylor, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Grace was predeceased by her father and mother, Charlie and Edith Taylor; sister Cherrie McLean, and brother Ernie Taylor. She was born, the eldest child, in Victoria, BC. Grace lived in various places on the island, but mainly in Victoria and Chemainus, until at age 19 she joined the R.C.A.F. Her first posting was to St. Margarets, NB, where she met the love of her life, Bruce. They married on March 17, 1956 in Chatham, NB. They were stationed in various radar stations in Canada, finally arriving in Winnipeg in November, 1964 and after being stationed for eight years at C.F.B. Winnipeg, they made Winnipeg their home. Grace was blessed with a multitude of friends, coming from different aspects of her life: St. Andrews Anglican Church and her Masonic Family, namely Jobs Daughters, Order of the Eastern Star and Shriners. She was very active with OES for 44 years, being Worthy Matron, Grand Secretary, Worthy Grand Matron and G.G.C.C.M. She loved doing crafts: knitting, crocheting, paper tolling, sewing and quilting. Her handiwork can be found in many homes. Many a knitted hat, scarf, mitts, or baby blanket found their way to various charities. The family of Grace, on her behalf, and theirs would like to thank the staff at both the Grace Hospital and Health Sciences Centre Women's Centre for their care and compassion. She often made comments about the wonderful care she was receiving. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, Grace asked that a donation, in her memory, be made to Masonic Communities Charities Fund (Cancer Car Program). She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2016