Helen H Burke

helen burke
HELEN HRICSINA BURKE Helen Hricsina Burke, 91, formerly of 442 Liberty Street, Franklin, died on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the home of her daughter in Jarrettsville, Maryland following a lengthy illness. Born February 8, 1918 in Rankin, Pennsylvania, she was the last surviving child born to the late Andrew and Mary (Oros) Hricsina, Sr. At the age of 2, she moved with her family to River Ridge Farm where she lived until her marriage to Raymond J. Burke, Jr. on May 16, 1942 in St. Patrick Church. He preceded her in death on February 20, 1990. She resided in Franklin until 2002 when her health necessitated a move to Maryland. Helen attended Bredinsburg School and was a 1937 graduate of Cranberry High School. She was employed on the staff of River Ridge Farm and briefly worked at the General Manifold and Printing Company. She was a homemaker devoted to raising her four children and a dear friend to many. She was a life long member of St. Patrick Church and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Helen is survived by two sons, Michael K. Burke and wife, Amy, of Olean, NY and Mark K. Burke of Fairview Heights, IL; two daughters, Karen M. Traskey of Jarrettsville, MD and Mary Susan Kretchun and husband, George, of Reidsville, NC; eight grandchildren, Marianne Kozlowski and husband, Theodore, of Bel Air, MD, David Traskey and wife, Lauren, of Silver Spring, MD, Anthony Burke and Christopher Burke of Olean, NY, M. Andrew Burke and wife, Allison, of Pittsburgh, PA, Mary Ellen Lang and husband, Gregory, of Cresson, PA, and Melissa Kretchun and Sean Kretchun of Reidsville, NC; four great-grandchildren, Abigail and Katherine Kozlowski and Joshua and Emma Lang; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by two brothers, Andrew Hricsina, Jr. and William Hricsina; two sisters, Mary Hydak and Ann Sustak; a special cousin, John Hricsina, Sr.; son-in-law Michael Traskey; and daughter-in-law Rosalie Burke. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. A Christian wake service will be conducted at 3:30 pm at the funeral home . A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 10:00 am in St. Patrick Church. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Patrick School at Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323. Online condolences may be sent to www.gardinierfuneralhome.com

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  1. Dear Karen, Marianne,David (and families),

    Please know of my love and prayers. You were so very special in Mom and Grandma’s life.

    I think back to the many trips Karen & Michael made from Maryland to Franklin, PA even before their marriage…must be a wonderful place.

    May she rest in peace. She certainly deserves it!

    Love,

    Madeleine

  2. Thank you for being such a special GG to us. We love you a “bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

  3. Our deepest sympathy to Karen, Marianne, Dave and families. Despite Helen’s discomfort in the last few years, we will always remember how GG Helen’s face would light up with such joy when Abby and Kate were around her. Love and prayers, Jill, Dan and Evelyn


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