It is with profound sadness and gratitude for an extraordinary life well lived that we announce the passing of Teresa Burke who left us peacefully on Tuesday July 13, 2021 at her sister’s home in Arnprior after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Teresa was in her 60th year and predeceased by her parents Bryan and Frances Burke. She leaves behind her siblings Christine Tammadge (John), Stephen Burke (Marian), Kathleen Burke and Dennis Burke. Precious and much loved aunt to Beth Malloch-Leclair(Marcel), Cameron Burke(Genevieve), David Tammadge(Flor), Mary Tammadge(Alex), and Fraser Burke(Ananda). She will be fondly remembered by her great nephews and nieces Liam, Mattaye, Hailey, Ritchie, Cassidy, Devon and Emily.
She shared her love of nature and everything outdoors with her many friends . This included canoeing, camping, hiking and, skiing. She enjoyed travelling, meeting new friends and visiting family in western Canada. Her love of sun and fresh air was lived through each day until the very last. Her artistic flair included playing the flute and piano, sewing, photography and trying out new recipes. She was very fond of her pet rabbits Top Hat and Tizzie.
Teresa was a microbiological supervisor with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Due to Covid19, the family will hold a private funeral service at the Beechwood Cemetery on Tuesday July 20, 2021 at 1 pm. For those wishing, the service can also be viewed live streamed by registering with the link above. A celebration of life will be held at a later date where friends and family can share stories of Teresa.
A special thank you to Dr. Fishman and nurse Amanda for their exceptional palliative home care which enabled Teresa to live her final days with family. In lieu of flowers donations to Ovarian Cancer Canada, Help Lesotho, or to the charity of your choice in Teresa’s name would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Garry Dixon
Laurie Utman
Teresa was a pleasure to work with, she always had a smile. She will me be missed at CFIA. My sincere condolences to her family.
Sally Lloy
I enjoyed our lunch breaks at our favorite picnic table, Teresa always knew how to put a smile on my face and showed so much interest and enthusiasm in any topic we shared. My heart goes out to her family, may they find comfort in her cherished memory.
Lisa Patterson & Keith Snider
We will remember Teresa as a cheerful, outdoorsy person with whom we celebrated many birthdays after first meeting her through canoe camping. We always enjoyed receiving her thoughtful hand scripted cards ... the last one with now very touching artwork by Maxine Noel entitled "Butterflies."
Andrea Becker (Boisonnault)
Teresa and I were cousins almost the same age, so we were always buddying up during family get togethers, and into our high school years. She had such a sense of humour, and a zest for life. This love of life and of adventure stayed with her always, and enriched her life as a result. It's so moving to see the tributes to her, and how she brightened every life she encountered. She will be missed but fondly remembered.
Renate Lapenat
I so appreciated Teresa's enthusiasm always to attend the Chinese New Year's dinners I organized, usually at Jadeland. She'd usually come after skiing. We will think of you, Teresa, at upcoming dinners!
Fridolin + Sonja Landolt, Zurich / Switzerland
We met Teresa in Tauranga in November 1987 while we were both traveling in New Zealand and stayed in contact with her over all these years mainly with writing letters. In autogen 1995 we visited her in Ottawa and spent some days together. She showed us her city and took us on a unforgettable canoe trip on the Arnprior River. Later she paid us a visit in Zurich. We shall miss her bright smile and keep her in good memory.
Natalie Ducharme
I was deeply sadden to hear of Teresa's passing. As a colleague of hers at the CFIA, I got to know how Teresa was such a kind, loving, gentle soul. I admired her courage, love for adventure and the great outdoors. I will miss her. My sincere condolences to all.
Fridolin + Sonja Landolt, Zurich / Switzerland
We met Teresa in Tauranga in November 1987 while we were both traveling in New Zealand and we stayed in contact with her over all these years with writing letters. In autumn 1995 we visited her in Ottawa and spent some days together. She showed us her city and took us on a unforgettable canoe trip on the Arnprior River. In return she came to see us in Switzerland. We shall miss her very much and keep her in good memory.l
Donna Milnes
I worked with Teresa for over 15 years and she became a dear friend over the years. She had such a fun loving spirit, and she was compassionate, loving, kind and giving. She was also a great advocate for the environment! I will miss her dearly. My condolences to her family. She was an amazing person!
I will miss Teresa very much, when I had my stroke in 2017, shecame to see me in hospital several times, years before when a bus strike came ,I was wondering how I would get to work, but Teresa , offered to pick me up and drop me off without my asking her to do so, when I came back to work she greeted me with a big hug and glad to see you back .I spoke on the phone to her a couple of weeks ago not knowing that would be my last chance to, despite her condition she was cheerfull and friendly. Bye Teresa I will remember you allways,it was great knowing you. Garry