Noreen Patricia Burke

Noreen Patricia Burke, 85, beloved wife of Walter W. Basher passed peacefully on April 13, 2020 (as a result of the COVID virus). Noreen was one of eleven born to Mary and John Burke, and was preceded in death by nine siblings,  Nancy Bosco (Frank), Rita Broedell (Frank), Mary Lynch (Frank),  Kay Burke, John (Pat), twin brother Joseph (Patsy), Thomas (Cass), Theresa Henry (Bob), and Peter (Joan).   In addition to her husband she is survived by brother Franny (Irene) and a host of nieces, nephews and their children.  She was especially close to her niece Theresa (Suzie) Vogel (Jack) and nephews Rob Henry (Heather) and Paul Bosco (Colleen) as well as the entire Vogel and Henry clans.  Most holidays were spent with the Vogels, the Henrys, and her sister Kay. Noreen was also a loving step-mother to Walt’s six children - Donna, Mark, Kathy (Deceased), Michael, Walt, Jr., and Lori, and their families - and that love was surely returned in full.  Noreen attended MBS and West Catholic and was a lifelong employee of the ARCO companies where she worked as a Pipeline Coordinator at the time of her retirement in 1985.  She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church since 1992.   She was very competitive, often engaging in fun battles with her step-grandchildren at amusement parks and trips to OC, MD over the years.  An ardent Philly sports fan, she loved to watch her Phillies and Eagles, often with Walt Jr who agreed with her that they could do a better job of managing the team. Presumably, from watching Flyers games over the years, she developed an affinity for the Canadian national anthem and through the many happy family gatherings, Noreen will long be remembered for her great laugh and her easily prompted rendition of “O, Canada” with her step-grandson Paul Basher. She was also a great fan of St. Joe’s and Villanova basketball.

She loved to read, review recipe books and bake bread, and volunteered for many years at Fair Acres. Noreen maintained lifelong friendships with many of her ARCO colleagues and loved to get together with them at regular lunches and outings over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation Tuesday, July 20th from 9:00 am to 10:15 am at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am. Interment to follow immediately after Mass at St. Thomas The Apostle Cemetery on the grounds of the Church. A funeral luncheon will follow burial in the Austin Room at Lia's Catering located at 3279 Chichester Avenue, Upper Chichester. All are invited to attend and share memories of Noreen.