Obituary of Susan Leora Burke

SUSAN LEORA BURKE Clifton Park- Susan Leora Burke, 57 of Clifton Park, died suddenly Friday, January 11, 2008 at Albany Medical Center. Born in Sayre PA, she was the daughter of Betty (Monahan) Knapp and the late James Knapp. She was a graduate of Thomas Edison High School in Elmira Heights class of 1968. Susan received her BA in History from the University of Rochester in 1972 and her Masters degree in Education from Elmira College in 1978. Susan was presently a Social Studies Teacher at VanAntwerp Middle School in Niskayuna, a position she has held and excelled in since 1992. She was previously employed at the Notre Dame High School in Elmira from 1976 until 1980 and the Lyons Central School from 1973 until 1976. She was presently the Secretary for the Niskayuna Teachers Association. She formerly was the Director and co-founder of Fiddlers Lane Nursery School in Latham. She was active in the South Colonie PTA, having acted as Committee Chair, Council President and President of the PTA. Susan was formerly the Girls Varsity Coach of Volleyball, Track and Softball at Notre Dame High School in Elmira as well as a Religious Education Teacher at St. Francis deSales Church in Loudonville. Her favorite and most common pastime was spending time with family and friends. A fan of music, literature and film, she was always looking for new albums to listen to and books to read. She looked forward to going to the movies with family and friends. She enjoyed playing video games and was an accomplished Guitar Hero. Susan was always up for an adventure, dabbling in rollerblading and downhill skiing. She could also be convinced to go on almost any thrill ride. She dedicated her life to being a mother, a friend and a teacher. In each she was exceptional. Survivors in addition to her mother include her cherished children Andy of Los Angeles CA, Jennifer DeMarco and her husband Matthew of Colonie, and Kevin of Los Angeles CA. She was the dear sister of Jim (Patti) Knapp of Horseheads, NY and Tom (Pat) Knapp of Phoenix AZ, she is also survived by her former husband John of Niskayuna and numerous other family members and loved ones. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial period on Thursday January 17, 2008 from 4-8 p.m. in the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment will be private in Elmira. In Lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society 260 Osborne Rd. Loudonville, New York 12211 would be appreciated. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com