Gratia E. Burke, age 77, of Hackettstown died Thursday, August 25, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving family. Gratia was born January 1, 1939 in Englewood, NJ. She is the daughter of the late Charles L. and Gratia Ellen (Hendricks) Schastey. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by 1 sister, Ann.
She was previously employed by the Courter Kobert Law Firm, Hackettstown, NJ as their Legal Administrator. Gratia was a member of the Board of Directors for the ARC of Warren County, the Drug Alliance for the Town of Hackettstown, the Board of Elections for Hackettstown and the Hackettstown Senior Hall of Fame. She was an avid golfer, loved to shop but most especially she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Chief Bryan E. Burke, 2 daughters: Alice Maria Burke and Theresa Ellen Ricciardo and her husband David; 3 sons: Bryan Philip Burke, Dennis Lincoln Burke, and Patrick Edmund Burke and his wife Christine; 7 siblings: sisters Betty, Nancy, Margaret, Susie and Dotty; and brothers Charlie and Jack; 15 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 28 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
The funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 29 at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. with Rev. Donald Gebhard officiating. Burial will be in Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The ARC of Warren County, P.O. Box 389, Washington, NJ 07882 in memory of Gratia.
Condolences:
Edna Payrett
#22
September 7th, 2016 2:27 pm
My deepest sympathies go out to you and the entire Burke family. I have fond memories of Gratia as Mom to a bunch of red headed kids, one my classmate Alice, as we grew up in Hackettstown. I also remember working with Gratia as a very professional law office administrator in Morristown. No matter what she was doing Gratia was always warm and kind. Enthusiastic about her kids and their accomplishments. We are all better for having known her in any capacity and she will be missed.
Mary Painter
#21
September 7th, 2016 8:48 am
My deepest condolences to the Burke family. Gratia was a beautiful person, true community service leader and friend. I enjoyed working with her on the HMADP.
Jeff Thornton
#20
August 31st, 2016 11:46 am
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Burke. I have many fond memories of growing up on College View Drive and spending time at the Burke house. My deepest sympathies to the Burke family.
Carole and Tom+ Law
#19
August 29th, 2016 10:48 am
We are sorry that we cannot be with you at this time of enormous grief. You are all in our heart and prayers. May Gratia
Denis Gagnon
#18
August 29th, 2016 8:59 am
I am very sorry for your loss. I didn't have the chance to meet Madame Burke but just by knowing one of her children I can imagine how great she has been. My thoughts are with you during these difficult days.
Frank Dunn
#17
August 27th, 2016 6:17 pm
Gratis will be sorely missed by all who worked with her on election days. My sympathies to the Burke family.
Sue Clark
#16
August 27th, 2016 2:24 pm
Alice and family, I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. My condolences.
Linda (Boyle) Doug &Sam Medina ..
#15
August 27th, 2016 3:39 am
So very sorry for your family's loss .. May God be with you giving you the strength and peace you need at this most difficult time .God Bless
Tina Czifra-Mattar
#14
August 26th, 2016 7:48 pm
My heart goes out to your family as I wish comfort and courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts. Deepest condolences and prayers for the Burke's.
Milton N Kohlmann
#13
August 26th, 2016 6:38 pm
Another wonderful person has been taken from us!
Bill & Maureen Boer
#12
August 26th, 2016 6:08 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Gratia was a wonderful warm and loving person. Her loss will be felt by many.
The Weiser's. (Pete, Jen, Noah and Jacob)
#11
August 26th, 2016 5:34 pm
We love Mrs Burke, wonderful neighbor and wonderful lady. U will be missed.
Sergio Qureshi
#10
August 26th, 2016 12:27 pm
Wow, I'm sorry to hear about Gratia:( She was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking to her when she would buy and support my kids with fundraisers for St. Mary's or the Hackettstown schools! Brian, Alice, Pat and rest of your family so sorry for your loss and we will be praying for all of you at this difficult time. Godspeed to Gratia on her journey to the kingdom of heaven! Until I see you again friend, God bless you!
Maria Beneduce
#9
August 26th, 2016 12:07 pm
Alice, My heart aches for you. Losing a mother is like losing a part of yourself. As time goes on, it does get easier but there will be those moments but you get through it. If ever you need anything, or even just to talk, I am here for you. Love, Maria
Mabel Cook
#8
August 26th, 2016 7:22 am
Dear Chief Burke,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Gratia. From working with you, I remember how important she and your entire family were to you. Gratia was a lovely lady. I know that her loss will be deeply felt by you and all your family.
With deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Respectfully,
Mabel Cook
Bob & Jacquie Petersen
#7
August 25th, 2016 11:14 pm
Brian, we're very sorry for your loss both for you and your family. Be in our prayers.
Eric Van De Wal
#6
August 25th, 2016 8:00 pm
Dear Mr. Burke, Alice, Bryan, Dennis, Patrick, and Theresa,
Words are useless to express how sad the news of Mrs. Burks passing is, so I won
Dee (Crisafulli) Spencer
#5
August 25th, 2016 7:54 pm
Alice,
My heart is sad for you and your family. No words can ease this hard time but knowing you are being thought of and prayed for is a step toward healing. You are so blessed to have had a wonderful caring mother.
Hugs to you!
Jayne
#4
August 25th, 2016 5:35 pm
I love you Gratia. I will never forget you and the kindness you gave to me. Such a wonderful, witty and truly kind woman. I will remember you everyday of my life. You were a second mother to me, and I will forever, be grateful to you. You have inspired me to be a kinder and more understanding person.
Heather Gardner
#3
August 25th, 2016 5:23 pm
Uncle Bryan and the entire Burke Family:
Aunt Gratia was loved by everyone who had the honor of being in her presence. I find comfort in knowing Aunt Gratia is on the other side with my Dad & her brother in law Phil!!! I am sure they are making brownies and having a great chat together!!
Lester and Joy Snyder
#2
August 25th, 2016 4:19 pm
This is such sad news. She was so loved in the Hackettstown Community and a very dear friend. Our Sincere Sympathy to the entire Burke family. Joy and Les Snyder
Kevin Guyette
#1
August 25th, 2016 1:09 pm
A kind, gracious, fun-loving friend and valued Arc volunteer who always had a smile. Gratia was deeply loved and she will be deeply missed.
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