Obituary of Robin Lee Burke

ROBIN LEE BURKE, 66, of Manchester, CT passed away peacefully April 8, 2020, at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Born August 17, 1953 in Binghamton, NY, she was the eldest daughter of Robert L. and Wanda J. (Hitt) Burke, who predeceased her.

Robin was a loving big sister, dedicated friend, and beautiful soul.  She loved people, cared deeply for her family and friends, and enjoyed spending time with them.  When living in Michigan, Robin would walk for miles while pushing her wheelchair-bound friend, Sue, on day-long adventures together. In the late 80s - early 90s, while living in Billerica, MA, Robin worked with her sister, Kathy, in local restaurants. Robin’s knack for cleanliness kept her co-workers on their toes!  Until her illness, Robin worked at the Art Connection in Hartford, CT.  An accomplished artist, Robin painted extraordinary landscapes, animals, and people in various mediums.  In addition to her works being displayed and sold through the Art Connection gallery, many of Robin’ pieces hang in homes of family and friends.   

Robin particularly enjoyed spending time with her friends and housemates, Kathy, Mariene, Gracie, and Timothy (TJ).

Robin will be lovingly remembered for her long stories about entertainers, passion for music, creative talents, and especially her kind-heartedness.  She enjoyed rock-n-roll from the 60’s through 80’s and was especially fond of Tom Petty and Elvis, singing or humming along with them.  Robin enjoyed old movies, classic television shows, and the cooking channel. She liked good food and helping to prepare meals, particularly for holidays and birthdays. Her love and interests extended to the many pets she had over the years, especially her beloved dog, Kindness.

Robin is survived by her loving siblings, Kathleen M. Gamble of Beaufort, SC; Joseph E. Burke of Key Largo, FL; Melinda A. Burke and wife, Linda K. Strom of Northfield, MA; and Shirley M. (Peggy) Kelly and husband, Stewart of Billerica, MA.  Robin’s extended family survivors include her nieces Karyn M. (Gamble) Romano and husband, Al; and Kaitlin M. Kelly; and nephews Keith A. Gamble and wife Michelle; Kory A. Gamble and wife, Audrey; and James R. Kelly.  Robin’s family also includes five great nieces and nephews and one  great-great nephew. Robin is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins in New York and California.

Robin also leaves behind her dearly loved art teacher, Linda Bradley, and her beloved East Eldridge family including Melissa Kuter, Janice Smyth, her housemates, and all of the staff and caregivers of Network Human Services.

All who loved her will never forget Robin’s sweet disposition, sense of humor, and loving kindness.  A celebration of Robin’s life will be held at a later date.

Because of the love and care of their sister over the years by Network staff, Robin’s siblings would be honored if, in lieu of flowers, you would please  consider making a donation in Robin’s name to Network Human Services, 23 Route 6, Andover, CT 06232 (http://www.networkhumanservices.org/MakeDonation). Network’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with special needs in the spirit of caring, dignity, respect, and independence.