Colonie, NY- Marie D. "Curly" Burke, born on December 4, 1933, in New York City and raised in Brooklyn, passed form this world, at home in Colonie, New York surrounded by her loving family, to be welcomed by our Heavenly Father into eternal peace on December 4, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Anthony and Francis Orientale; brother, Eugene C. Orientale; husband, Thomas J. Burke; and son, Jeremiah P. Burke.

Marie was raised in a large, loving family in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Marie's immediate and extended family lived in a four-story apartment building with additional family members residing around the corner. With grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles living under one roof, Marie, her siblings and cousins, often spoke about what a wonderful childhood they had living so close together, always having playmates, enormous family dinners of the most delicious Italian food, constant laughter, and limitless love.

Marie attended Washington Irving High School in Manhattan, at the time a private girl's school. She enjoyed school greatly, was an excellent student and an avid reader from a young age. She was also a drum majorette which she enjoyed very much. After her graduation, she met her future husband Thomas J. Burke who she wed on May 31st , 1953 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Marie was a devoted wife to her husband, Tom, for 62 years, a loving mother to her three children and a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren. Her home was filled with joy, laughter and unconditional love always. Whether celebrating birthdays, holidays, or simply spending time together, Marie's home was always a place of warmth and comfort. Marie's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and dedication. A woman of deep conviction, her faith in God guided her every step, and she instilled that same love of faith in all who knew her. Her love of children led her to earn a degree in early childhood education. She became the Teacher Director at the Clifton Park Cooperative Nursery School also known as The Little Red Schoolhouse, an original and historic one room schoolhouse. Her classroom was a place where children felt safe, valued, loved, and she had a special gift for making every child feel unique and important. Her warmth, encouragement, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on her students and their families. It is no surprise Marie's influence extended far beyond the classroom; she was loved by everyone she met. After a decade in Clifton Park, she became the Director of the Schenectady Day Nursery. She then spent the last 10 years of her career certifying Head Start workers for a credential necessary to work with children called a CDA (Child Development Associate). Marie's legacy lives on in the lives she touched-through her children, her grandchildren, and the countless children she nurtured in her classroom. She will be remembered not only for her faith, her kindness, and her teaching, but also for her radiant smile, her gentle spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel like family.

Marie is survived by her children Thomas J. Burke (Regina), Francine Burke; her grandchildren, Thomas J. Burke III (Anna), Courtney Burke-Ramos (Mitchell), Jeremiah P. Burke III, Lindsay Burke, Ashley Varco, McKenzie Klopstock (Kyle), Reilly Burnes (Ben), and 11 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters, Rose Sommerschield and Irene DiPietra, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7p.m. on Monday December 9, 2024 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon on Tuesday December 10, 2024 in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 followed by an interment at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Marie Burke to the Alzheimer's Association