Obituary of Marie Burke

Marie A. Burke, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on 9/24/2022. Marie was predeceased by her beloved husband, William J; her parents Joseph (Dar) Bambera and Alice Neabor; and her brothers, John and Joseph (Buddy). She was the loving mother to Patricia Rodriguez-Sasser and her husband, Nick of Norman, OK; Carol Boyne and her husband, Dave of West Palm Beach, FL; Linda Andel and her husband, Steve of Whiting, N.J., and her son, Dr. John Burke and his wife, Angela of Westfield, MA. She was the proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Emerson, Alicia, Jeanna, Jeff, Jonnelle, Shannon, Arielle, Caroline, Ryan, Sam, Cailean, and Sara, and eleven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Eleanor Hintenach; sister-in-law Gayle Bambera; and her nephews.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., she resided in Fords for over 40 years before settling in Monroe Twp after her retirement. She was employed by National State Bank and Rahway Hospital.

She was an active parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Women of Nativity. Her selflessness and compassion permeated her community.

Known as the “mayor” of the Clearbrook pool and a member of the Clearbrook Italian American Club (despite not being Italian), Marie was a lifelong social butterfly. She was a friend to many: from her lifelong friends from Fords and Monroe, her high school “club” girls, the Mahjong ladies, her pool posse, to the countless people she got together with—her love for her friends was unmatched and extended to so many. If you walked into a party not knowing her, you certainly walked out as her friend. Exuding charm and wittiness, Marie was able to make any stranger a friend. As an avid Mets fan, Marie got a lot of practice in being loyal to a fault. 

Her family meant the world to her and she loved getting together no matter what the occasion. Whether it was at large parties or just having a cup of Irish tea at her kitchen table, Marie was a fierce protector, confidant, and strong matriarch whose love was unconditional. She was never one to shy away from boasting about her family, especially her grandchildren, who are eternally grateful to have inherited in her words, her “brains, looks, and personality”. Her love, intelligence, and quick wit live on in those whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm on Friday September 30, 2022 and 8:30 am - 9:15 am on Saturday October 1, 2022 at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Inc. - 205 Rhode Hall Rd., Monroe Twp., NJ  08831.  Funeral services will begin at 9:15 am on Saturday from the funeral home.  A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 am at Nativity of Our Lord RC Church - 185 Applegarth Rd., Monroe Twp., NJ  08831 followed by a private cremation.  

In lieu of flowers and for those who desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - www.stjude.org.