Hilda Burke's Obituary
Hilda "Blondie" M. Burke, 89, of Stafford Springs, CT, formerly of Gaithersburg, MD, Oriental, NC and West Palm Beach, FL, devoted and beloved wife of the late Colonel James T. Burke, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2008 at Evergreen Health Care Center, Stafford Springs, CT. She was born February 21, 1918 in Ipswich, MA, daughter of the late Leonce and Alphonsine (Poirier) Marchand. Blondie was an avid gardener and loved nature; she was also accomplished at restoring antique furniture. Blondie is survived by her four children, whom she loved dearly, Susan Gulko of Oriental, NC, Kathleen Graboyes and her husband Arnold of Blacksburg, VA, William Burke and his wife Sonya of Gaithersburg, MD, and Karen Duchane and her husband Gary of Clearwater, FL and formerly of Stafford Springs, CT; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Graboyes Camblin and Benjamin Graboyes, Ryan and Liam Duchane, Cassidy and William Burke II, and Connor- and Carson Cornelius-Burke; a brother, Leonce R. Marchand and his wife Jeanne of Topsfield, MA; a sister-in-law, Anne Marchand of Gloucester, MA; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Ovid Marchand and Louis Marchand; and a sister, Lorette Marchand. A private graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, at the convenience of the family. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care provided to Hilda by the Evergreen Health Care Center staff and Home and Community Health Services Hospice staff and volunteers over the last few years, but especially most recently. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home and Community Health Services, Hospice Program, 140 Hazard Ave., P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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