Sr. Noreen Burke, OP, formerly known as Sr. Peter Margaret Burke, died on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 88 years of age and in the 70th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Noreen was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Peter and Marjorie (Reske) Burke. She graduated from Visitation High School in Detroit and received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in History from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a Master of Arts degree in American History, a Master of Education degree in School Administration/Supervision, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Services and Counseling, all from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.
Sister Noreen spent 33½ years ministering in elementary education in Chicago, Hometown, and Elmhurst, Illinois. This includes being principal for 10 years at Our Lady of Loretto in Hometown and seven years at Visitation School in Elmhurst. She was also a guidance counselor for 18 years at Maria High School in Chicago. She later served the Adrian Dominican Congregation in Hometown for one year as an Assistant Retirement Director. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2015.
Sister Noreen was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carole Burkhardt, and two brothers, Lawrence and Donald. She is survived by loving nieces and nephews and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Due to COVID-19 mitigation protocols, the Dominican Life Center is closed until further notice to all guests or visitors. All are welcome to participate in Sister’s wake and funeral via live stream at http://www.adriandominicans.org/LiveStream.aspx
The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Word Service will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Prayers of Committal will be held in the back of St. Catherine Chapel.
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.
