Christine F Burke

Christine F. Burke (née Piekarski), age 74 of Chicago, IL, died October 29th, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Patrick. Loving mother of Michael and Carolyn (Sean) Andersen. Adored grandmother (Yaya) of Riley. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Christine was born and raised in Chicago, where she lived her whole life. Christine worked for the Army Corps of Engineers, where her path crossed with Patrick, a young Air Force sergeant. They would encounter each other in the cafeteria, and after catching each other’s eyes, they began dating. Soon after, Patrick was called to serve in Vietnam. He and Christine kept in touch all the while he was away, and picked up right where they left off when he returned. They were married on May 16, 1970. Together, they very much enjoyed traveling, sharing in many adventures around the country. They explored everything from exotic locales like Hawaii and Mexico, to state parks and natural wonders, and everything in between.

In 1980, their first child Michael was born and Christine began her true calling as a mom. Carolyn was born in 1982, and their family was complete. Christine was always an active volunteer at her children’s schools, serving as lunch mom at their grade school and hall monitor at Carolyn’s high school. She truly was “mom” to everyone, always brightening the students days with her infectious smile and warm, welcoming nature. She was the biggest cheerleader for Carolyn’s track and cross country teams in high school, attending every meet, always with snacks. She adored babysitting her nieces and nephews when they were younger.

Christine’s faith was very important to her. She was always active in the church and sang in the choir. She loved to read and could often be found with her nose buried in the latest mystery novel from the library. She loved her plants, tending to her outdoor garden in the summer and maintaining her indoor nursery year round. Christine always loved to shop, exploring different malls and stores with her daughter and friends. She loved to dote on her loved ones with gifts, and it was often joked that one need only mention an interest in something, and the next time you’d see Christine, she’d have a lifetime supply of them.

Even as her children grew up, Christine remained their biggest supporter, always there for them and their friends. Christine’s nurturing nature was allowed to really shine when her granddaughter Riley was born in 2017. Riley was truly the absolute light of Christine’s life. She brought so her much joy, and the feeling was mutual. Riley adored her Yaya.

Christine brightened the lives of everyone she met. She was truly loved by so many people. Everyone that met her has nothing but fond stories of her, and how she positively impacted their life. Christine will be so missed dearly by her family and many friends. But, “if the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.” Christine and the legacy she leaves behind will live on in the memories shared by those who knew her and loved her.