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Colleen K. Burke

Colleen Burke Obituary

Age 42 years. September 11, 2005. Beloved daughter of Sally. Dear sister of Linda and Jan (Steve). Also survived by cousins, nephews, and many friends in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Preceded in death by her father, Ronald, grandparents, uncle and many other family members.

Special thanks to the caring staff of Zilber Family Hospice where Colleen spent her final days.

No flowers please. Memorials to the Zilber Family Hospice appreciated. Private Interment in honor of Colleen's wishes.

The family will receive friends at a gathering to celebrate Colleen's life on Sat., Sept. 24 at 12:00 NOON at the WEST MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 1345 S. 47TH St. (corner of S. 47th St. and Greenfield Ave.), West Milwaukee.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away"

SCHMIDT & BARTELT
Funeral and Cremation Services
(414) 774-5010
Wauwatosa

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 19, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Burke

44 Entries

Peg Williamson

October 1, 2005

So many beautiful testimonies have been made in honour of Colleen and each one has a special place in my heart. She gave us all a gift by being a part of our lives and I will always be grateful that we were family.

I recently read a touching story that reminded me of Colleen and I would like to share it with you.

***********************************

Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. The departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, "I love you and I wish you enough". The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom."

They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude into her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking: "Did you every say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?"

"I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is -- her next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough'. May I ask what that means?"

She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."

She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said, 'I wish you enough', we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them."

Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

She then began to cry and walked away.

***********************************

This story reminded me of Colleen who had so much pain and suffering but lived life to the fullest without complaints and appreciated everything and everyone around her. God bless her!

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

I will never forget you, Colleen -- you taught me to take time to live. Thanks for bringing such joy and happiness to my life.

To Sally, Linda, and your loved ones: I wish you enough.

Margot Hufton

September 24, 2005

Colleen and I spent many hours chatting and playing cribbage on the internet - we had soooo many laughs but she also supported me through some tough times, she loved her animals, her cat was such a buddy and she always asked after my sheep. I have a disability so we did have a lot in common. She was so independent and she did share with me, in recent times, how she was struggling. I miss you Colleen and hope you now rest and laugh once again. From your friend Margot (and Razz)

Margaret Schinlaub

September 23, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know how sad this is for you. I hope it is some comfort to know that Colleen is no longer in pain.

Maureen Dunne

September 23, 2005

Sally, Jan, Linda,

Words do not come easily when pain and grief run so deep.

Knowing you, Sally, I know that Colleen's light will shine for all time.

I am so very sorry that you have lost this amazing young woman, and I pray that peace finds your hearts.

Laurie B.

September 22, 2005

Sally, Linda and Jan,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I'd had the chance to meet Colleen. From what I'd heard about her she sounded like the sister I never had. I was all set for a good old-fashioned belching contest. May your grief be gentle and your love carry you through. Peaceful thoughts,

Laurie from Florida

Yvonne Leist-Creswell

September 22, 2005

Dearest Sally,

"...we do not own this life, this body..our shadows pass across the earth, following the wind into the wide eternal sky..." from a Mexican poem.

It was with deep sorrow that I heard of your beloved Colleen's passing. I know of no words that will mend the heartbreak you are feeling...please know that you are in my thoughts as you continue on life's journey...that the memories of Colleen and the eternal connection of mother and child will sustain you.

Love always,

Yvonne

Jay & Suzanne vonHeimburg

September 22, 2005

Colleen was one of the family members who always brighten up the room. Memories of the get togethers with family for examples:Counting how many times Sally and Clarence went around the block,counting the craft items at Christmas,down in the basement with the burping and farting contests as Sally was the judge, ( I thought that Jay would leave and never come back)Colleen's laugh and constant love and advice will always be a great memory. She had a big heart and she is bowling with alot of our loved ones, so fly with the angels and say hi to everyone Colleen,We will see you again. All our love, the vonHeimburg's

Kathy Aderhold

September 21, 2005

Dearest Sally, Linda, and Jan,

Please know that my deepest thoughts and sympathies are with you today as you lose your beloved daughter/sister, Colleen. Try to remember the wonderful times and think about how the angels sang to have her home again!

love,

Kathy

Corry's first mom

Marsha

September 21, 2005

Dearest Sally, Linda & Jan....How my heart breaks with you. From what Sally has told me of Colleen, I wish I had known this wonderful woman so full of such humor that loved to laugh. I feel like I was lucky enough to get to know her a tiny bit from stories from her wonderfl mother.... I found that I too had a love for this wonderful woman. Colleen's sweet spirit is with you and I pray that Peace is with each of you. My love and hugs to each of you.

Melissa Schinlaub

September 21, 2005

Dear Sally and Linda, I'm having such a hard time believing Colleen's gone and I miss her greatly. Please know that I think of you two often and I love you both.

Wilma "Willie" Norman

September 21, 2005

Dear Sally, Linda, & Jan,

Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your precious baby girl and sister, Colleen. These things are so difficult to understand and accept, but at least Colleen's suffering has ended. Take good care of yourselves.

Sincerely, w/love and hugs,

Willie

Marion MacArthur

September 21, 2005

Dear Sally, Thinking of you and your family at his time of immense grief, and sending much love and hugs from the other side of the world.

Love, Marion

Tina Cothren

September 21, 2005

Dearest Sally,

My deepest condolences go out to you and your family in the loss of your precious daughter. I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong and know you are loved by so many.

FMR

Jim and Amy Goodrich

September 20, 2005

Sally, We had the great opportunity to meet your Colleen. What a spunky, funny, wonderful woman she was. We both have great memories of that evening, driving around Milwaukee with Colleen as our tour guide eager to show us her home town. Oh, how proud she was, wanting us to see it all. Then eating at one of her favorite places, The Jackson Grill. I know I will never forget her and her larger than life personality. I agree with her sister Linda, she touched all those that knew her.

Love, Amy and Jim

Dawn Young

September 20, 2005

Our body and our minds can take us so far:Our Spirit can lead us all the way Home. Sally my deepest condolance. Dawn (FRM)

Kate Green

September 20, 2005

Sally,

Though I only knew Colleen for a few short cyber-weeks, I feel she became a part of my life, as you have become. My deepest sympathy for your loss and to the rest of your family as well.

Hugs,

Kate

Patty Sommers

September 20, 2005

Dear Sally, Linda and Jan,

Colleen's pain is over and she is at peace. She will live in the hearts of all who new her forever.

My deepest Sympathy,

Patty

Chistine Brown

September 20, 2005

Dear Sally and family,

My family and I are so sorry at Colls premature passing, she will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to you and your family. Colleens sense of humour and srength will always be a great loss to those who knew her. She certainly could make an impression, always knew how to put a smile on our faces. Bless her.

We will think of her often with great affection.

Love to you all

Chris Gordon and Charlotte (Chuck)

Judy Strickland

September 20, 2005

My dear friend Sally, Linda and Jan. I know words can not express what you are feeling now over the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister Colleen. She is still here in our hearts and always will be, I send my love to her up above and to her family who will meet with her again one day. Judy

Jane Stafford

September 20, 2005

Dearest Sally:

I know there are no words that I can write to ease the heartache you are feeling at this time, but I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I wish I would have had the honor to have known Colleen. I think of you often and consider you a wonderful friend.

With my deepest sympathy

Jane Stafford

Carol Aumann

September 20, 2005

My dear friend Sally,

I am sorry for your loss. Colleen's pain and suffering is no more. You will be together again, stay strong.

Tammy Brackett

September 20, 2005

Dearest Sally,

Bob Dylan wrote "He who is not busy being born is busy dying.." Colleen's living in the face of obstacles was nothing less than an inspiration to those of us who knew her. She continues to be a positive, funloving force of nature..because that is where she is. Colleen is part of the universe and I see her and feel her spirit everywhere.

Much Love to you and your family,

Tammy Brackett

Susan Mello-Souza

September 20, 2005

My Dearest Sally,

Please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of your precious daughter, Colleen. Be aware of her continued presence in your life for it will comfort and soothe you.

Knowing all too well the depth of your grief, feel my arms wrapped around you in love & friendship, as we now share yet another bond of motherhood.

jeri gramegna

September 20, 2005

my love and prayers are with you,Sally,,,,i am so sorry for your loss...

Linda Freeman

September 20, 2005

My deepest condolences in the loss of your daughter/sister/friend. My prayers are with you in this sorrow-filled time.

Marcy Walker

September 20, 2005

Dearest Sally,

My prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. I do believe that we will meet with our loved ones again, and I also believe that your dearest Colleen has been made whole and free. I wish I could be with you in person. Know that my love and caring travel across the miles between us. Love, Marcy

Debra Davis

September 19, 2005

Dearest Sally,

My heartfelt sympathy to you and the rest of your family (Linda, Jan and family)on the loss of your wonderful daughter/sister/aunt. I know there is an empty space that nothing can ever fill, and I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you all.

My deepest sympathy, Deb

Dorothy Berry

September 19, 2005

Dearest Sally,

I am so sorry for your loss of Colleen. I know you will be with her again. You are a special friend to me and I so wish I could be there for the service to celebrate Colleen's life. You and your daughters will be in my prayers.

Dorothy

Shelley Seguin

September 19, 2005

Dearest Sally;

My deepest sympathy to you in the sad loss of your daughter.

I feel that I got to know Colleen a little from your sharing about her with me.

I loved to read what you wrote about her sense of humour even in the darkest hours, and how her laughter was music to your ears. I know Colleen will be sorely missed.

I wish your heart peace and I pray for the peace of Spirit to Colleen.

My condolences also to Jan and Linda.

Richard and Mathieu send their sympathy and love as well.

with love

Shelley

Linda Burke

September 19, 2005

Colleen was a great sister-someone with a smart sense of humor and an incredible love of life. No one walked away from Colleen unaffected - she touched everyone she met.

Kim Clifford

September 19, 2005

She was an amazing woman and and exceptional friend with a heart of gold. I am blessed to have called her my friend but even more blessed that she called me one. Thanks to Colleen she gave me an experience I would never have had been able to do on my own, her generosity made it possible for me to go to San Francisco with her and it is something I will never forget. I miss her something awful but I know she will always be with me.

Denise Marconi Leitch

September 19, 2005

I’m sorry to say I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing Colleen, however, I am fortunate to call her dear mother a friend, and from what I know of Colleen, she possessed many of the same wonderful qualities as her mother.

Colleen faced her illness with great strength and humility, she didn’t feel sorry for herself nor did she seek pity from others. I wish I had met this extraordinary woman, I’m sure she enriched the lives of everyone around her.

I feel certain that the world is a better place for having had Colleen pass through it and has suffered a set back by her departure; if we look into the nights sky we will see it’s a little brighter for the spirit of Colleen has taken her place among the stars.

My condolences to her mother, family and friends.

Denise Marconi Leitch

Dee Sharog

September 19, 2005

Dear Sally,

It is with deepest sympathy that I place this entry. The loss of a child is like no other. I have spent the past 10 years attending a Pieta group for parents who have lost children to death. I understand your pain.

May you have some peace in your memories of the wonderful woman Colleen must have been.

Hugs,

Dee

Linda Vecchio

September 19, 2005

I did not know Colleen personally but I have known her mother for several years and am so sorry that Colleen had to leave this world so soon. I know she will be missed greatly by her friends and family. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.

Robert Sutherland

September 19, 2005

The angels of heaven all dressed in white

were happy at play in the garden of light

when jesus came smiling and said to his band

heres another young playmate

give Colleen your hand .

God bless you Colleen,i'll remember you always with affecion .

Cathy Denny

September 19, 2005

Sally,

My heart grieves with you in the loss of your beloved daughter, Colleen. May you find strength and peace in your cherished memories and the love and support of your many friends and family. Love and Hugs

Cathy Denny

Mary & Sy Berlin

September 19, 2005

We are so sorry for the loss of Colleen. We will continue to keep her and her family in our prayers and thoughts.

Glory Adams

September 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel the love and support of family and friends during this painful time.

Norma Samsel

September 19, 2005

Sally dear and Linda and Jan ... My heart goes out to you in the loss of your beloved Colleen. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Stevenson

September 19, 2005

Dear Sally,

My deepest condolences over the loss of dear Colleen. She will undoubtedly be missed by all her knew her. My thoughts are with you during this time dear friend.

Love, Mary Stevenson

Marcia Bumbalough

September 19, 2005

My thoughts are with you Sally as you grieve the life cut short by Colleen's illness. If Colleen was at all like you, her Mom, she was a very special, considerate woman who will be missed by many.

Karen Spindler

September 19, 2005

Colleen was a special woman with great insight into human nature. Colleen and I shared many hours of interesting conversation about a variety of topics. Colleeen was a intelligent woman that made you challenge your owns thought and beliefs. I consider myself lucky to count Colleen as one of my friends.

Linn Page

September 19, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Linn

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