Saturday, December 7, 2024
I will never forget Mrs. Burke and all the wonderful times the Gish family spent with the entire gang of Burkes. Ruth was a great friend to my mother, Vi. And she treated me just like one of her kids. She was loving, kind, and funny, but she was never afraid to rein me in - I always was a little on the rambunctious side and she and her husband, Bill kept me in line! I spent countless hours at their home on Wall Avenue in Paterson, as well as on the softball field in Eastside Park, and the courts wherever our CYO basketball team was practicing or playing. Mr. and Mrs. Burke were both great coaches and more importantly, outstanding role models for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not been loved and parented by those two - it truly takes a village! St. Therese’s Church and School would not have been such a memorable place without the huge contributions made by Ruth and Bill Burke! Ruth and my mom stayed very good friends throughout their lives together, despite their moving to far off South Jersey and farther off Phoenix, Arizona. After my mom passed, Mrs. Burke still stayed in touch with me through cards and phone calls where we’d reminisce about the great times we all shared, and I’d squeeze in a few visits to Elmer on the off chance I visited New Jersey - certainly not often enough to honor the significant place Mrs. Burke and her whole family held in my heart. I miss her and hope I will see her, hanging out with my mom, in eternity! Love you ❤️ Cheryl xo
