November 13, 1952 - March 6, 2025
Jo Anne (Jo) Burke (nee Newell), age 72 of Fernie, British Columbia passed away after a brief illness in hospital in Cozumel, Mexico on March 6, 2025. She was born on November 13, 1952. She is predeceased by (Newell) her father, Delford; mother, Audrey and brother, Neil. She is survived by her brother, David, and niece, Jennifer.
Jo Anne grew up in Milton and Campbellville, Ontario. She graduated from Milton District High School. During her school years, she played soccer, sang with the Milton Choristers, and was a member of the United Church and Christian Girls in Training. After high school, she was a highly respected salesperson and skilled seamstress at Peggy's of Milton; an exclusive ladies wear shop. Her vivaciousness and likeability during her school years, being active in her community and being successful in her employment awarded her many lifelong friends with whom she kept in contact.
She met the love of her life, Patrick Burke, in Vermilion Bay, Ontario and they married in 1980. Patrick & Jo Anne's life together was a beautiful dance of life from tango to waltz with love. They lived in Thunder Bay where she studied interior design then moved to Mississauga and then to Tumbler Ridge the start of their BC adventure before finally settling in Fernie in 1988. Both Patrick and Jo Anne were heavily involved in community life. In 1991, Jo Anne & Patrick purchased the Old Nurses Residence, a historic landmark, and converted it into a Bed and Breakfast which showcased her ability in interior design and decorating, and skill as an entrepreneur. In 2019 she won the East Kootenay Best of Business award. Over the years, she generously supported the community by hosting memorable events for local residents, making each and every guest feel welcomed and glad to know her.
Jo Anne's exuberance and tenacity is still visible in the various organizations to which she belonged and made significant contributions. She was a member of the Fernie Quilters Guild where she not only exhibited beautiful quilts as works of art but also made quilts for charity. Jo Anne was very talented and had a knack for colours. She was very kind, considerate, and patient with her novice quilters and always willing to teach them. Having a love for music, she sang in the Fernie Community Choir and the Holy Family Catholic Church Choir. Jo Anne and Patrick were founding members of the Fernie Arts Co-op, Fernie Nordic Society, Fernie Arts Theatre Ensemble Society and Fernie Heritage Cemetery Restoration Society. In each organization, she demonstrated administrative skill, a knowledge of their purpose, and a love of people. She always put other people and their wants or needs before her own. Jo Anne will be greatly missed and in her memory we ask that you hug the ones you love.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church on May 17, 2025 at 1:30 P. M. A reception will be held in Holy Family Centre after the service.
Memories & condolences shared at cherishedmemoriesfs.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funer Services Ltd.
Service Details
1:30 PM