Sylvia Burke

Sylvia Burke
Sylvia Anne (Smith) Burke died at Bickford Cottage in Lincoln, NE on March 7, 2014, after a long illness. Sylvia was born in Imperial, NE, to Dr. Fay and Ruth Josephine (Jo) Smith. Sylvia attended the University of Nebraska where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She married Edward B. Burke in November 1954. Ed and Sylvia lived in Imperial where they raised their 4 children: Dr. James (Karen), of Scottsdale, AZ; Jane (Andrew Strotman) of Lincoln; John Burke (Cheryl) of Imperial; and Joel of Imperial. Sylvia was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter # 279, St Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church as well as a volunteer for various community activities. Sylvia was a fan of her children’s sporting events, cheering them on from Little League through college. Sylvia especially enjoyed attending the Nebraska State Fair and the Chase County Fair events with Ed.
In addition to her four children and their spouses, Sylvia is survived by 13 grandchildren: Jenna, Joseph, Jamie and Jaclyn Burke: Helen, Elizabeth, and Rebekah Strotman: Jennifer Beimers (Evan), Jessica Seigel (Shane), Jason Burke (Whitney), Joshua Burke (Courtney), Jaclyn Paisley (Garrett) and Jakob Burke. Sylvia is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren. Sylvia’s sister and brother-In-Law, Jack and Carol Maddux of Wauneta, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband, Ed, and her parents.
Sylvia’s family thanks the Bickford Cottage for their care over the past years. A private service will held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Dr. Fay Smith Family Medicine Fund for Excellence, Fund #3217, at the University of Nebraska Foundation or to a memorial of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
LIEWER FUNERAL HOME OF IMPERIAL IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS