Obituary of Wanda Joyce (Hitt) Burke

WAYLAND;     Wanda Joyce (Hitt) Burke----January 25, 1934 to July 22, 2018

Wanda Joyce (Hitt) Burke, age 84, passed away on July 22, 2018 from lung cancer in Wayland, New York surrounded by her family. Wanda was born and raised in Harpursville, New York graduating from Harpursville Central School in 1951.

Fiercely independent and passionate, Wanda was a voracious reader, animal lover, prolific quilter/seamstress, unbeatable Scrabble player, and supportive friend.  She was an excellent cook who will be remembered for her delicious Sunday dinners, particularly when beef stroganoff was on the menu.  Wanda was an accomplished gardener who took great pride in her flower and herb beds, establishing beautiful gardens at each of her many homes throughout the years.  Wanda had an enormous heart for those in need.  Over the years, she opened her home to many persons (and animals).

She had a long career as an accountant, working for such companies as Mattel Toys, Demoulas Market, Purity Supreme grocery store, Middlesex Community College, and various smaller businesses.  In addition, she volunteered with the Paul Newman’s Connecticut Hole-in-the-Wall camp for children with cancer.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert L. Burke and her five children: Robin L. Burke of Connecticut; Kathleen M. (Burke) Gamble of Florida; Joseph E. Burke of Florida; Linda Burke and her wife Linda Strom of Vermont; and Shirley (Peggy) Kelly, and her husband, Stewart Kelly of Massachusetts. Wanda also is survived by five grandchildren: Karyn Gamble, Keith Gamble, Kory Gamble, Kaitlin Kelly, and James Kelly and five great-grandchildren: Cedelyn Gamble, Scott Ascolillo, Vanessa Ascolillo, Kaden Gamble, and Jacqueline Gamble.  In addition, she is survived by her sister, Margaret (Hitt) Dowdell, her cousin, James Greenmun, her niece, Pat Martinez, and the Burke family of California.

Wanda was preceded in death by her father, James R. Hitt, her mother, Pearl E. (Greenmun) Meek, and her brothers, Richard D. Hitt, and Gerald A. Meek.

Visiting hours will be held for Wanda on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM followed by a service of remembrance at 1:00 PM at St George-Stanton Funeral home at 109 West Naples Street, Wayland, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to the Vincent House Hospice in Wayland, New York. http://www.thevincenthouse.org/donations/