Susan Melissa Burke

Susan Melissa Burke
March 20, 1948 – June 11, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Susan Melissa Burke announces her passing on June 11, 2026, at the age of 78.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Ed Burke. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Samantha En, and grandson, Henry Kells; her son, Sean Hewitt, and daughter-in-law, Ali Hewitt; her sister, Melissa Haight, and brother-in-law, Tom Haight; her niece, Sarah Dewit, and husband, Trevor Dewit; and her nephew, Adam Haight, and wife, Pam Haight.

Born in Port Arthur, Susan spent her early years in Thunder Bay before her family moved to North Bay in 1963. She attended teachers’ college in North Bay and eventually settled in Carleton Place, where she spent many rewarding years as an educator.

Susan was a woman of strong character, often attributed to her Scottish, Norwegian, and Ukrainian roots. Independent, determined, and resilient, she approached life with purpose and enthusiasm. She loved bringing people together, whether for a dinner party, happy hour, or a cup of tea.

She took great pride in her family, friendships, and beautiful gardens. Her flower beds were colourful, welcoming, and meticulously tended—much like the life she built around her.

Beyond gardening, Susan enjoyed travelling, walking with friends, calligraphy, cooking, baking, music, golf, yoga, and singing with both the Town Singers and her church choir. She was also an active member of the Horticultural Society.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and inspired her commitment to serving others and strengthening her community through church involvement.

Susan had a great sense of humour and enjoyed teasing those she loved. She found joy in both everyday moments and new adventures.

A visitation will be held at Barker Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at Zion Memorial United Church at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan Melissa Burke, please visit our floral store.