Obituary of Justine Burke

Remembering Mary Justine Burke Mary Justine Burke passed away December 19, 2019, in West Linn, Oregon, three days before her 92nd birthday. She was born in Portland, Oregon on December 22, 1927, the only child of Neva Annabel and Arthur Walters. She attended Beaumont Grammar School and graduated from Commerce High School. Later she attended Lewis & Clark College for two years. Justine married Harold Edgar Burke in 1948 and when he entered law school, she quit school to go to work. Justine worked her whole life until her retirement in her 70’s, only taking time off to have her son, Michael, and daughter, Kathleen. Her career began as a secretary, moved up to office manager at Blake and Neal Finance and ended as a bookkeeper at Rogers Construction. Justine loved ice skating and it was on the ice rink where she met her husband, Harold. Throughout high school and college she would take the city bus up to Government Camp to ski. Her love of skiing never left and she continued to cross-country ski into her later years. Photography was also one of her hobbies and she became a talented photographer, winning two photo contests. Justine loved Hawaii and took many trips with family and friends. She had a love of reading which continued throughout her entire life and she instilled that in her family. She was a gifted writer, composing limericks for friends and family and also writing books for her grandchildren. Justine’s love of family was evident to all and her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Her family’s character has been shaped by her values and integrity. We have been blessed to have her in our lives as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has left us with memories of unconditional love, kindness, compassion, generosity, support and laughter. Justine had a wonderful smile and her sense of humor was contagious. She is survived by her son, Michael Burke (Patsy), daughter Kathleen McInroe, grandchildren, Jennifer McInroe (Brad Engel), Christopher McInroe (Heidi McInroe), Jeffrey Burke, Kelly Hallett (Matt Hallett) and great grandchildren Hudson McInroe and Penelope McInroe.