Obituary: Norah Keleher Burke (Sept. 10, 1930-Dec. 21, 2009)

Norah Keleher Burke

Sept. 10, 1930 - Dec. 21, 2009

Norah Keleher Burke, “Mickey” Burke passed away in Crescent City on December 21, 2009, at the age of 79 years, after a prolonged illness. Norah was born September 10, 1930, in Doocastle, County Mayo, Ireland. She lived in Ireland until the age of 9, then moved to England with her family to live and care for her grandmother. Norah arrived in the United States in December of 1953.

Norah served four years with the Women’s Royal Army Corps during the Korean Conflict. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and American Business Women Association, where she served as past president and secretary-treasurer. Norah also was a judge at many of the past Del Norte High School speech tourna-ments. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the Smith River Rancheria as an administrator and grant writer from 1985 to 1994.

She is survived by her children and their families: Thomas and Judith Burke and their children, Victor and Janette Stout; Theresa and Randy Mitchell and their children, Justin and Suzanne Mitchell and Sara (Mitchell) Wilson; John and Rosy Burke and their children, Michael Burke and Lacey Maureen Foster. Great-grandchildren: Norah Grey Mitchell, Alder Wayne Mitchell, Drake and Lotus Stout. Brothers and sister: Thomas Keleher, Patrick Martin Keleher and Maureen Thompson. Former husband and good friend John Joseph “Jack” Burke. Also, numerous other relatives including her nieces and nephews.

Private family services with inurnment in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Crescent City.

Contributions in Mickey’s memory may be made to Fisher House at Fort Lewis, Wash., where families of injured returning soldiers can stay while their loved one is in the hospital. You can visit 

www.fortlewisfisherhouse.org or mail to 9999 Wilson Ave. Fort Lewis, WA 98433

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wier’s Mortuary Chapel in Crescent City.

Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel

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