Catherine “Katie” Rose Custer Burke, 90, of Rowlesburg, died at Harmony at White Oaks in Bridgeport on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
She was born in Clarksburg on May 10, 1934, the daughter of the late Paul Willis and Frances Upton Custer.
She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School and West Virginia University. She was a teacher in the Preston County Schools where she taught business math, typing and other subjects throughout her career. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Rowlesburg, United Methodist Women, Preston County Association of Retired School Employees, Preston County Historical Society, Harrison County Historical Society, Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Rowlesburg Lions Club.
She is survived by her only son, Joseph Custer Burke, and his wife, Michelle, of Madisonville, La.
She will be lovingly remembered by her four granddaughters, Madeleine, Meaghan, Molli, and Malaina. She is also survived by two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Carder and Carol Ann Rogers, of Bastrop, Texas; nieces and nephews; and other family members. Her family is grateful for the companionship and caregiving of long-time family friends, Harman “Boon” and Kay DelSignore, of Rowlesburg.
Catherine was an avid traveler and enjoyed cruising around the world with her husband, Walter. She always found time to bake fresh bread and other savory dishes. It brought her great joy to spend time with her granddaughters in various activities, from teaching them how to bake her “secret” recipes to practicing typing, playing the piano and passing down stories while reviewing the family tree.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Brown Burke; nephew, William Jay Carder II; great-niece, Rebecca Rose Carder; and other predeceased family members.
Per her wishes, a graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, with Pastor Kevin Keplinger officiating.
Mrs. Burke’s family extends their sincerest thanks to Dr. Michael Schwarzenberg and the staff at Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital, Cortland Acres, Garrett Regional Medical Center and Harmony at White Oaks for making her last few weeks so comfortable.
Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 554, Rowlesburg, WV 26425.
