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Susan Bishop White Burke of Southampton died on April 15, 2019, in Greenport. She was 76.
Born in Santa Maria, California, on December 19, 1943, while her father was temporarily stationed there during World War II, she returned to Southampton with her mother at the age of 3 months. She attended Southampton Public Schools, graduating in 1961, and earned a bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1965, majoring in education with a minor in social work. She trained for a teaching assignment with the Peace Corps in the Philippines, but declined the position wanting to begin a social work career.
She worked for Suffolk County as a social worker, as well as for San Diego City where she worked for Children’s Protective Services as a case worker. She earned an master’s degree from Long Island Univesity in 1984. A 25-year career as a first and second grade teacher at Hampton Bays School District, ended with her retirement in 1999.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Southampton, and an avid gardener and walker who appreciated all aspects of nature.
Ms. Burke was predeceased by parents, Thomas H. White and Helen B. White. She is survived by her children, Jessica L. Burke and Ethan B. Burke and wife Katherine W. Burke; and grandchildren, Charlotte, Henry, and Teddy Burke, and Nicholas Burke Cogan; brothers Thomas B. White and William B. White; cousins and their spouses; six nieces and spouses; great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of close friends since childhood.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or East End Hospice.
on Apr 22, 2019