Irene Murray Burke, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2020. A New Orleans native, Irene was born on August 2, 1925 to the late William E. Murray and Irene Jungle Murray. Once she completed her secretarial certification, Irene worked for the U. S. Government in the New Orleans Port of Embarkation during World War II. Following the war, she became the Secretary to the New Orleans Regional Manager of Sherwin-William Paint Co., where she remained until the late 1960’s. After leaving - Sherwin-Williams to spend more time with her daughter, she then worked for local attorney and accountant, William J. Gandolini, Jr. until 2006, when she retired.
Irene was an avid fan of college and pro football. She loved watching the games and even more so, attending LSU home games for over 40 years. After she could no longer go to the games, she would never miss a game on TV. She was so thrilled with this last season, ending in the National Championship. Irene also absolutely loved to travel. She took countless road trips all over the U.S. and Canada, cruised to Alaska many times, and cruised the world including Eastern Canadian Providences, Mexico, Central and South America, Northern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand. Hawaii truly held a special place in her heart and her frequent trips there led to her becoming a member of the Pacific Beach Hotel “ohana” (family). Irene also loved drinking Madiera from V. Sattui Winery, her favorite Napa Valley winery. She celebrated many milestone birthdays at V. Sattui, and was even inducted as one of the Charter members of the V. Sattui Hall of Fame. Irene’s love, kindness to others and her zest for life will truly be missed by all.
She is survived by her daughter, Eileen Burke, and her fur babies, Molly and Red.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service to be held in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, LA on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow the services in Metairie Cemetery.
In lieu of fresh flowers, the family kindly asks for plants, or donations to Metairie Humane Shelter, 6213 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003 for the “Irene Burke Memorial Fund.”
The family invites you to share your condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18