Ann Burke

BURKE, Ann Whiteside N.S. It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Ann (Antle) Burke on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Cove Guest Home in Sydney. Born on June 3, 1940, she was the beloved daughter of Mary Louise Burke (D’Escousse) and William Antle (Turk’s Cove, Newfoundland), Grand Lake Road, Sydney. In 1968, she married Leo Burke (River Bourgeois) who predeceased her in 2013. She and Leo moved from Sydney to Whiteside, Richmond County many years ago where she stood by Leo’s side as his debilitating disease progressed. She leaves to mourn her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Josephine (Doddy) and John MacLeod (Halifax); brother and sister-law, Harold Antle and Irene (MacNeil), (Sydney); sister-in-law, Maurina (McNabb) Antle (Sydney); and her brother-in-law, Georgie Bourque (River Bourgeois). She was predeceased by brothers, Bernie (2014) and Billy (2015); and sister-in-law, Patsy (MacLeod) Antle; in 2019. She was a generous sister, aunt and friend. Her door was always open to everyone and there were always cakes to be served with an endless pot of tea. Although she had no children, her home was the ‘hang out’ spot for many young people in Whiteside. Out of her love for animals and she had many, both domestic and wild, she added a small room where they could come for food and shelter. ‘Auntie’ loved music, was an ardent Elvis fan and will be remembered by her many nieces and nephews for teaching them how to dance and instilling a love for musicians like Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold and Floyd Cramer. In her early years, a very stylish Ann, worked at the Metropolitan and then K-Mart in Sydney. While living in Whiteside, Ann operated a convenience store for some time then became a vendor at the Port Hawkesbury flea market, selling paintings and crafts made by Leo. She loved her bingo nights and brought any willing participant along. Christmas was a special time for her, and she bought for everyone to make it a special time for them. She so enjoyed pop and chocolate. A very caring and compassionate person, she had a big heart and loved to give of herself. A great big THANK YOU to all her neighbors and friends in Whiteside, Lower River Inhabitants, Cleveland, Evanston, Port Hawkesbury, River Bourgeois for loving Ann and being there for her over the years. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Seaview Manor, Glace Bay and the Cove Guest Home, Sydney for their kindness, support and love during Ann’s stay. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday October 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 1621 Whiteside Road, a reception will follow at Riverdale Community Centre, 106 Vince McCarthy Drive, Lower River Inhabitants. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Green’s Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.greensfuneralhome.ca