Anna Darlene (Holaday) Burke, 77, of Marion, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on October 4, 2023.
She was born on November 8, 1945, to Alonzo Lowell Holaday and Clara Elizabeth (Pickens) Holaday in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Darlene was a 1963 graduate of Marion High School and after graduation married Robert Burke Jr., on September 7, 1963, and moved to Cherry Point, N.C. with Robert in the USMC. They had two children.
Darlene had obtained her Associates Degree in Business Administration from Lockyear Business College, located in Evansville, Indiana in 1986. While attending Lockyear she made the Dean’s list every semester.
Darlene worked at Sunshine State Federal Savings, Plant City, Fl and retired from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 2010 and lived in the Brandon and Valrico areas of Florida for 27yrs. After retirement from the State, she moved back to Marion and was able to enjoy Marion Giant’s sporting events as well as attending her 60th High School reunion in August of this year.
She was past Regent (President) of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Alafia River Chapter in Brandon, FL and the General Francis Marion Chapter in Marion, IN. She also served as the State Vice Chairman in the Florida State DAR
Darlene was also an accomplished seamstress and sewed for others in her community that included wedding dresses, prom dresses, suits, and even made the Band Uniforms for Evansville Reitz Memorial High School for several years. She absolutely loved genealogy and was able to track ancestors back to the 1600s. She was also fascinated with the history of Indiana and loved watching the University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball team, even traveling to Lexington Rupp Arena many times.
Darlene is preceded in death by her father, Alonzo Holaday and her mother Clara (Pickens) Holaday and her sister Alta Joan Dicus.
Darlene leaves behind many loving family members and friends and is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Burke Jr. of 60 years, son, Robert Burke III (Shasta), Priceville, Al, a daughter, Robin Burke, five grandchildren, Robert Burke IV (Karina), Nick Gonsalves, Katie Morton (Lathain), Kate Burke, and Samantha Burke and four great grandchildren, Amelia Burke, Landon Burke, and Arelli Contreras, Isiah Contreras.
She is also survived by 2 nieces, Carol Seavall (Michael), Barbara Kurczodyna (Joe), nephews Bob Dicus (Nancy), and Gary Dicus (Dana) and a cousin, David Ireland.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Darlene will be buried later at the Marion VA National Cemetery since her husband Robert served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Anna Darlene Burke to Stillwater Hospice, 705 S Baldwin Ave, Marion, In 46953 or online at www.stillwater-hospice.org
Online condolences and memories for the family can be shared at www.ravenchoate.com
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