Obituary of Gina Louise Burke

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Gina Louise Burke, of Quispamsis, New Brunswick, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Gina was born in Pictou, NS on April 9, 1979, grew up in Coldbrook, NS and settled in Quispamsis, NB where she raised her young family.  Gina was a loving mother, daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend. 

She attended Central Kings Rural High School, Holland College and the University of New Brunswick (SJ).  She was employed by Bay Ferries Ltd., where she developed many great friends.  She was very social, always the life of the party.  A true athlete, Gina excelled in any sport she played: Track and Field, Soccer, Rugby, Basketball and Skiing.  Winning many awards, such as senior athlete of the year in high school, NS Rugby Female athlete of the year, provincial wins for downhill skiing, track and field and earning a spot at a national track and field event in Quebec.  Her true love was watching her children participate in their own sporting activities.

Gina and Kendall met at Central Kings Rural High School, but didn’t unite until 1999.  Kendall embraced any new adventure G would suggest…and he loved it all!  However, when it came to extreme sports, she enlisted her father and sister to conquer the skydiving adventure.  She also had bungee jumping crossed off her list. 

Kendall and Gina moved to New Brunswick in 2001, and in 2007 had their first child, a son named Chase and in 2009 a daughter named Lauren. Gina loved motherhood and watching her children evolve into beautiful young adults.

Gina loved spending time at their cottage in Belleisle Bay.  They had wonderful neighbours, enjoying boating on the river with friends, campfires and relaxing with good friends. G was always up for adventures, loved to travel and recently returned from Hawaii with her family.

In addition to her husband and children, Gina will be dearly missed by those left behind, including her parents, Ann and Gerard Burke; sister, Marlene Burke (Chip Wasson); niece, Cassidy Wasson; mother-in-law, Louise Little;  brother-in-law, Alex Little and nephews, Aubrey and Weston Little.  Callie, the family dog, will miss snatching one of G’s shoes to chew on.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins and amazing friends are also left behind.

She will be greeted with love in heaven by her father-in-law, Ron Little; maternal grandparents, Mary Sarah and Joseph O’Handley and paternal grandparents, Mildred and Raymond Burke.

The family wish to thank Dr. Amy Groom and the rest of the oncology/radiology staff, as well as the staff of the palliative care unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  

Her body has been cremated and arrangements have been entrusted to Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119), where visitation will take place on Friday, October 25^th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.  A Celebration of Gina’s Life will be held from the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday, October 26^th at 1:00 PM.  Interment will take place in Hampton Rural Cemetery.  A reception will take place on Saturday evening from 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM at the Q-Plex, 20 Randy Jones Way, Quispamsis.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.  www.KennebecasisFH.com  

Gina truly was “Armed with will and determination, and grace, too.”