Brenda Joyce Burke

Brenda Joyce Burke, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away, leaving a legacy of creativity, love, and faith. She was born on July 17, 1943, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Louis Christian Griese and Joyce Marguerite Hurd.

Brenda is survived by her brothers, Duane (Middletown, NY) and Guy (Dumont, NJ), and her children: Stacie Leblanc (Jerry) of Madison, Connecticut; Brian Burke (Karen) of Odenton, Maryland; and Drew Burke (Tearsa) of Provo, Utah. She will be missed by Nicole Gutierrez, whom Brenda lovingly adopted later in life, an expansion of her family and heart.

After graduating from high school, Brenda married Michael Burke in 1964 and moved to Connecticut, where they made their home. That marriage ended in divorce, with Brenda remaining committed to her children. A working mother, she built a strong professional career, initially at Southern New England Telephone Company and later at Computer Sciences Corporation. She relocated from Guilford, Connecticut, to Acworth, Georgia, after retiring in 2001.

Brenda possessed a vibrant spirit and a creative soul. She was a gifted artist who expressed herself through painting, drawing, crocheting, and quilting. An avid lover of nature, she found great joy in her gardens and had a deep, lifelong affection for animals, most notably her many cats and dogs. Those who knew her well will remember her as a masterful cook who took pride in preparing meals from scratch, and as a woman of strong, honest opinions who was never afraid to share her perspective.

Faith was a cornerstone of her life. Brenda developed a deep and abiding belief in God and, in March 1982, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of the Etowah Valley Ward in Acworth, Georgia.

Brenda will be remembered for her strength, her creativity, her love of family, and her enduring faith. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her influence and example will live on in the lives of those she touched.