Virgina Burke

July 16, 1920 - November 27, 2018
Virgina Burke

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Virginia “Ginny” Pierce Burke, 98, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Carolina Village Medical Center. She was born in Riverside, CA on July 16, 1920 to Wright M. and Laura Pendergast Pierce.

Ginny was always independent, energetic and adventurous. She met her husband, Jack, as a USO girl during WWII. Most of their courtship was through the mail since Jack shipped off to France shortly after they met. When Jack returned to his hometown in upstate NY, Ginny bravely got on a train from Claremont, CA to start a new life far from her home and family.

Over time Jack and Ginny built a family of 5 rambunctious children. Ginny stayed home to raise the family until they could manage on their own and took a job as a patent coordinator for Sybron Corp in Rochester, NY. After all the children were out of the house, or off to college, she and Jack retired to Hendersonville, NC. They loved the mountains and became avid hikers, golfers and tennis players. They always spent the coldest months somewhere warmer, typically in Jekyll Island, GA where they had many friends and access to lots of the outdoor activities they loved.

Jack passed away unexpectedly in 1997. Ginny continued to live independently half the year in NC and half in GA until she decided it was time to move into Carolina Village at the age of 88, where she lived the rest of her years, playing cards with her friends and lighting up the lives of many with her sharp wit and sense of humor.

Ginny is preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, Wright Pierce; and son-in law Paul DuBruille.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kathleen Burke Adams (Richard) of Naples, FL, Patricia Burke DuBruille of Portland, OR, Deborah Burke (Richard Durant) of Portland, OR, David Burke (Joyce) of Orinda, CA, and Alan Burke (Lindy) of Rochester, NY; grandchildren, Caitlin DuBruille, Meaghan Burke, Colleen Burke, Shannon Burke, Christopher Adams, John Adams, Patrick Burke, Haley Burke, and Colin Burke; great-grandchild Henry Adams; and sister, Marian Tangeman of Oroville, CA.

Services will be private.


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  • December 01, 2018
    Don & Denise Midkiff says:
    Dearest Patti, Catie and family, Sending our love and prayers of comfort as you mourn the loss of your dear mother! What a blessing to share so many years and now memories. Love you, Don & Denise

  • December 02, 2018
    Cat Gaabrel says:
    Debbie, Rich and family. I am sadden to hear of Ginny's passing. She sounded like an incredibly brave, strong and funny woman. I know she made the World a better place. Her light lives on in all of you.

  • December 02, 2018
    Nancie Battaglia says:
    I remember a spirited woman in a big house on South Street and a cottage on Conesus full of kids, dogs, snacks and fun. With a twinkle in her eye she graciously managed it all. Sounds like it continued for 98 years. Hugs and condolences to you all. Sad news (sigh) but she had a long, active, great life. It doesn't get any better than that.

  • December 02, 2018
    Gaylord & DeeAnn Boots says:
    Found out about your loss on Friday night from Chris. So sorry to hear that. Obviously she lived a long and fruitful life. We will keep you in our thoughts.

  • December 03, 2018
    Stephen Gerard says:
    Oh my goodness Kathy, just happen to be paging FB and there's this wonderfully infectious smiling face of your mother! So sorry for your loss just when you choose to spend more time there in the Carolina Mountains and be closer to her. The very best to your entire family in celebrating her long life!