Karen Burke

SPENCER - Karen L. (Ekberg) Burke, 74, of Ash Street, died June 27, 2018, in her home with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, William J. Burke of Spencer; two children, David W. Burke and his wife Lisa Gohra of West Springfield, and Susan L. (Burke) Vigeant and her husband Michael of North Oxford; a brother, John Ekberg and his wife Annette of Bolton; two beloved granddaughters, Natalie and Danielle Vigeant, both of North Oxford; and many nieces and nephews. Karen also leaves behind her childhood friends; Gisela Warman and Ethel Swedberg. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late John and Helen (Hedendsted) Ekberg.

Mrs. Burke was an instructional aide at Lake Street School in Spencer for over 25 years, retiring in 1998. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester and belonged to the Trinity travel club. She was a member of the Melinda Prouty Harrington Fund Committee in Spencer. Mrs. Burke enjoyed knitting and reading. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters.

The family would like to thank Pam Lane at UMass and the staff at the V.N.A. of Southern Worcester County, for their exceptional care throughout her illness.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Those attending are respectfully asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. Calling hours are Sunday, July 1, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge, 125 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.