Obituary of Diane Louise Burke

Diane Louise Burke passed away on April 26, 2014 at Paradise Villa in Santa Cruz. She was 83. Diane was born in Canton, Ohio on April 6, 1931, the daughter of John J. Heck and Goldie (Page) Heck. She grew up in Canton where she attended Timken Vocational High School. She later lived in Arizona for some years before moving to California. There she and her husband resided in a number of locations throughout the state including; San Diego, San Jose, Santa Maria and then Santa Cruz. Diane was described by her family as a loving and compassionate women who will be deeply missed. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She spent her life caring for her family. In her spare time she loved Square Dancing and also organized and instructed exercise classes. She was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church growing up in Canton and later a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Santa Maria. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald M. Burke, Jr of Santa Cruz; her children, Donald M. Burke, III and his wife, Marilyn of Orlando, FL, Jennifer A. Pederson and her husband, Barr of Santa Cruz and Gregory M. Burke and his wife, Karrie of Santa Maria. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, John Heck and Goldie Heck; and her three sisters, Jacquelyn Gann, Helen Williams and Patricia Maurer. A cryptside service will be held at Dudley-Hoffman Columbarium, 1003 East Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA on Tuesday May 6, 2014 at 12 Noon. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, Santa Cruz, CA. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle or express your condolences to Diane's family.