Arlene Burke, a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and community servant, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was a woman of great faith, compassion, and generosity, whose legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.

Arlene was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and later made her home in several New Jersey communities including Livingston, where she lived for 30 years, Lakewood for 13 years, and more recently, Morristown and Bernardsville.

A proud graduate of Our Lady of the Valley High School in Newark, Arlene went on to attend Montclair State University. She married Richard Burke and together they raised five children, creating a loving and lively household. She was married to Richard for 32 years and after Richard’s passing, she later married Thomas Burke, with whom she shared 13 wonderful years.

A woman of deep faith, Arlene served as a Eucharistic Minister for over two decades at St. Philomena Church in Livingston and for another ten years at St. Pio Church in Lavallette. She also taught CCD, ceramics, and proudly served as Co-President of the Arts and Crafts Club at the Four Seasons Community in Lakewood. Arlene had a special calling for caring for others—opening her heart and home to over 37 foster children. She also lovingly sewed clothing for disadvantaged children.

Arlene was an avid reader, with a special love for mysteries. She especially enjoyed the works of Mary Higgins Clark, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben. Nothing brought her more joy than the annual Burns family reunions in Lavallette, where she looked forward to reconnecting with the 80-plus family members who would stop by under the gazebo on New York Ave to share memories and laughter.

Arlene was predeceased by her beloved parents Edmund and Helen Burns, her husband of 33 years, Richard Burke, her husband of 13 years, Thomas Burke, her dear son Brian Burke, siblings Eugene Burns, Raymond Burns, and Cecilia Hogg, great-grandson Reynolds, and her niece Marlene Burns.

She leaves behind her loving children: Richard and Patti of Ayden, NC; Edmund and Maryfaith  of West Caldwell, NJ; Barry and Carol of Avon, NY; and Cecilia and John of Bernardsville, NJ. Arlene was a proud grandmother to Jessica, Richard James and his wife Ashley, Miriam, Emilee, Reilly and his wife Keelen, Michaela, Brody, Santo and his wife Kristina, and Jonathan and Julie.

She is also survived by her dearest friends Ethel and Kevin Donlin, and her sweet Shih-tzu companion, “My Honey,” 

In lieu of Flowers, Arlene’s family ask that you consider donating in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/

Visitation will be held on July 6th from 2-5pm at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. A funeral mass will e held for Arlene on July 7th 11:00am at the Church of St. James, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ