Theresa “Terry” Burke, born Aug. 13, 1930, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 at Heritage Nursing Center in Morristown, Tennessee. Terry was born in Newark, N.J., and lived in Leonardo, Middletown Township, N.J. for many years before moving to Tennessee.
She graduated from Monmouth University, Long Branch, NJ with a psychology degree, and she was a retired trainer from AT&T, Holmdel, NJ whose field included use of human factors in design of large systems.
Terry was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Theresa Dougherty; her husband John Wankel, Sr. her son, Jack Wankel, Jr., Leonardo, NJ and her beloved dog, Smokey.
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She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Doug Burke; two daughters, Deborah Wankel of Freehold, NJ and Pamela Wankel of CA; four step-daughters, Sharon Whitmann of MD, Mary Burke of IL, Barbara Burke and Kathy Burke of Middletown, NJ; 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Terry was a friend to many, an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Morristown, TN, a crafter of crocheted afghans, throws, caps for veterans and prayer shawls. She quilted. She sewed. She taught herself to play the mountain dulcimer. She was a computer wizard, a Kindle lover and she read books by the box full.
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She is well remembered at ALPS Adult Day Care Services for bringing her dog for pet therapy with the participants while her husband taught painting classes. A proud patriot and loyal Republican, Terry could debate politics and current events for hours. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed gathering people into her home for meals, fellowship and discussions. She was a magnet who drew interesting people into her circle. Terry will be missed.
A celebration of her life was held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Morristown, TN on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. The families received friends at a reception in the Parish Hall following the service.
Per Terry’s wishes, a service on the beach in Leonardo, NJ will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to All Saints Church, 601 West Main Street, Morristown, TN 37814 or ALPS Adult Day Services, 600 North Daisy Street, Morristown, TN 37814.
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