Donna Mary Burke's Obituary
Donna Mary Burke, 80, of Putnam, CT, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Hartford Hospital. She was born in Hartford, CT on September 11, 1945, daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth Mae (Evans) Wichroski Pelletier.
Donna leaves behind Michael Walsh, her beloved companion of 46 years; two children, Ginger Burke, and Michael Burke and his wife Tomika; daughter-in-law, Valerie Burke; four adored grandchildren, Tomisha, Michelle, Morgan, and Melissa; two great grandchildren, Camryn and Caiden; two brothers, Gary Wichroski and his wife Cindy, Larry Wichroski and his wife Pam; sister-in-law, Linda Wichroski; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Joseph Burke; sister and her husband, Gale and Donald Lahue; and brother, Jerry Wichroski.
Donna graduated from East Hartford High School in 1963. She was employed by Travelers Insurance and worked in the Data Center as a computer analyst, United Healthcare in the Medical Department writing Hospital Contracts, and Aetna Insurance Company as a Short-Term Disability Analyst. She worked from 1976 thru 2003. Donna was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Putnam, CT, and St. Edward Church in Stafford, CT. She lived in East Hartford, CT until 1988, resided in Stafford, CT until 2010, then moved to Putnam, CT. Donna loved animals, gardening, and going to antique shops. She had many cats and her best friend was “Sammie” whom she loved for many years. She also enjoyed family gatherings, especially around the holidays. Donna was a member of the Audubon Society, and Red Rover Purple Leash Project for domestic violence survivors and their pets.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a funeral service to take place at 12:00 PM, at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in Stafford Springs Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 218 Day Rd., Pomfret, CT 06259, or to Red Rover, P.O. Box 188890, Sacramento, CA 95818. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?

