Ursula Burke
November 1, 2011

Ursula McAndrew Burke, RN, of West Pittston, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011, in Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. She was born in Pittston, September 25, 1927, daughter of the late James and Veronica Roche McAndrew.

Ursula was a graduate of St. John's High School, Pittston, and Pittston Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her R.N. She earned a bachelor's of science degree in Nursing Education from College Misericordia, and a master's degree in Administration from The University of Scranton. Prior to her retirement, Ursula was employed by Pittston Area School District as Supervisor of Nurses and Health Services for 30 years. She was a Disaster Nurse for the Red Cross and secretary for the Upper Valley Eye Bank of Pennsylvania Lions, District 14-W. During the flood of 1972, she was in charge of the evacuees at the Pittston Area Senior High School. Ursula received a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Victims of the Flood. She was nominated to "Who's Who in American Education" in 1990.

Ursula was member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, and the Altar and Rosary Society of the church.

She was active in many community affairs and organizations. While living in Jenkins Township, she served as chairman of the Heart Fund Drive, Ambulance Drive and secretary to the Democratic Organization. Ursula also served on the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Committee and was a member of its Board of Directors. She is a member of the Jacqueline's Association of the President John F. Kennedy Council No. 372, Pittston Knights of Columbus, and she was the founding president of the Association. Mrs. Burke was an active member of the American Cancer Society, having assisted in the sale of Daffodils in the Greater Pittston since its beginning in 1987. She served as chairman of the Daffodil Sales in 1994. She also served on the PSEA, NEA and PSERS. She was a board member of the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, and served as president for two terms and secretary for two terms. Ursula was member of The Greater Pittston Lioness, having received the "Proud Lioness Award" in May 1990, The Lioness Award of the Year for Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the Community, and in 1994 she was nominated by her fellow members to receive "The Melvin Jones Fellow" The Foundations Highest Commendation for Humanitarian Service. She was formerly a member of the West Pittston Lions Club. She was also a member and former president of the JLW Mountain Lions Club. Mrs. Burke was also a member of College Misericordia, Scranton University Alumni Association, The National School Association, Pittston Hospital Alumni, American Heart Association, Women's Network, former member of Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, The Goodwill Hose Company Auxiliary West Pittston, The Donegal Society, and the Eagles Auxiliary F.O.E. No. 4396, West Pittston. She also served four years on the Wyoming Area School Board.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Terrance Burke, former Pittston Area school director; infant daughter at birth in 1963; daughters, Patricia Bartoli in 1990, and Marion Sebo in 1996; brother, John McAndrew in 1991; sisters, Rosemary McNulty in 1973, and Rita Romanowski.

Surviving her are grandchildren, Ann Sebo, and Alanna Bartoli; nieces and nephews, Edward P. McNulty, Theresa Schwartz, John Patrick McNulty, Robert McNulty; and several great nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, West Pittston, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.

Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Pittston.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Published in Times Leader on November 3, 2011.