Patricia "Patsy" (Grable) Burke

Patricia Grable "Patsy" Burke

On Saturday, December 5, 2020. Cherished wife of the late Charles R. Burke, and loving mother of the late Steve (Gail) Burke, the late Mimi Burke, and Chip (Carole King) Burke.  Beloved grandmother of Chip (Katia), Peter (Brittany), Charlie, George, Sam, Amy Burke and Griffin King.  Great grandmother of Harrison. 

Patsy moved to Pittsburgh at age 7 and outside of her schooling spent the rest of her life in the city which she and her husband adored.   She attended the Ellis School and graduated from the Baldwin School and Connecticut College.   Her first job out of college was in the office of the Third Presbyterian Church before leaving to raise her family.   Later she became co-owner of the Village Wardrobe dress shop for almost 20 years.  She was a founding Board member with her husband Charles, mother Minnie, and sister and brother in-law Marion and Bill Nicholson, of the Grable Foundation.   The Foundation which works to improve the lives of children in the Pittsburgh region is a tribute to her father Errett Grable. 

She served on the Grable Foundation Board continuously from 1976 until her passing.  Upon retirement from the Village Wardrobe she and her husband spent 25 winters in Boca Grande, Florida where they made many new friends and welcomed friends and family to their home.   In both Pittsburgh and Boca Grande, she served on many civic and community boards, often taking on the role of treasurer.   To her grandchildren, she was known as Amie, the French word for friend.  Her family found this nickname particularly apt because she was everybody’s friend and embodied all the best qualities of friendship including loyalty, kindness, and generosity.    A woman of incomparable positive energy, she enjoyed sports such as tennis, golf, and cycling.  For her, it was as much or more about the camaraderie than the actual activity.  Her standing Monday tennis game at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club was a highlight of her life.  Dubbed “The Therapy Group”, a game of tennis followed by a glass of iced tea solved life’s problems each week.   While she suffered real tragedy in her lifetime, she faced adversity by being positive and focusing on others.   She spent her last days showing gratitude and saying positive things to all those she encountered.  

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Aspinwall Riverfront Park 285 River Avenue Aspinwall PA 15215 or a charity of your choice.   However, the best way to memorialize her is to follow her example and say something positive.  A private memorial service will be held by the family.
 

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