Jean Burke: 1927-2014

SooToday.com received the following announcement today from the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre regarding Jean Burke, founding vice-president of the Ontario Crafts Council and recipient of the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit.

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Jean Gibson Burke, AOCA

June 20, 1927 - March 14, 2014

Jean Gibson Burke aged 86, of Sault Ste. Marie died peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Friday, March 14, 2014.

Jean was born in Sault Ste. Marie in June of 1927 to Jean and Charles Macreath and grew up in the Sault with her sister Marjorie. 

She spent many happy summers with her grandparents on Manitoulin Island. 

From an early age Jean developed a passion for art which was to last her lifetime.

She studied commercial art at the Ontario College of Art graduating with honours and went on to create works of art in enamels, mosaics and textiles, many of which are displayed in public and private collections and have been widely exhibited throughout Canada.

Jean worked extensively with many arts organizations, was the founding vice-president of the Ontario Crafts Council and in 1993, was awarded the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit in recognition of her work in the arts community.

Throughout her life, Jean felt herself privileged to be surrounded by so many interesting, talented and enthusiastic friends who shared in her many and varied interests, whether through art, music, skiing or political discussion.

Jean’s friendships have spanned her lifetime and were very important to her. 

Jean was married to her best friend, John (deceased in November 2013), and is survived by her sons Gordon and Kenneth (Richard), her granddaughter Anna (Tim) and her grandson-in-law Rory.

In the past weeks, she was delighted by the outpouring of love shown to her other granddaughter, Sarah (deceased) during the recent Olympic Games. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the intensive care unit at the SAH for their kind and compassionate care and all of the friends who have been such an important part of Jean’s life.

A funeral service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 19 at 1 p.m., a reception to follow. 

If desired, please make a donation in Jean's name to the charity of your choice or simply show a kindness to someone in need. 

Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. 

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

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