Carole Cordill Burke

Carole C. Burke, born June 23, 1938, in Omaha, NE, passed away on March 19, 2024, in Laurel Park, NC, peacefully, with her daughter by her side. She was a beloved grandmother, mother, wife, and friend to many.

Carole was preceded in death by her father, Oliver P. Cordill, who passed away when she was only 9 years old, and her mother, Gladys Babcock Cordill, who lived to the remarkable age of 100. Also preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Edward J. Burke, she is survived by her daughter, Allison Long Grier, and her son-in-law Benjamin Osborne Grier, of Hendersonville, NC, and her adored grandsons, Harrison (Hank) Arthur Grier of Chicago, IL, and Andrew (Drew) Oliver Grier of Chapel Hill, NC. She is also survived by her stepsons Ken Burke and Steve Burke. 

Carole married Larry Long of Omaha, NE in 1962 and together they adopted their only child, Allison Elizabeth Long (Grier) in March of 1965. She spent the next 18 years raising Allison in Omaha, NE. Carole later married Edward J. Burke and eventually moved to Breckenridge, CO where they enjoyed skiing, hiking, and volunteering. They later moved to Brevard, NC to be closer to her grandchildren, Hank and Drew.  She spent the next almost 28 years enjoying the hiking, the music, and many volunteering opportunities in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She was deeply committed to helping others and touched many lives through her volunteer work.

In midlife Carole came upon the teachings of the Buddha which she embraced and redirected her life towards a deep inner inquiry. Through retreats and work with Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions, teachers and teachings, she developed a more subtle appreciation for what we call life.  The world of the spirit and meditation, the world of cosmology, the quantum world and poetry became some of her travel destinations. Carole carried her mantra in her heart, “Accept what is with Love”.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the UUTC in Brevard, NC, located at 24 Varsity St., Brevard, NC 28712.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Four Seasons Hospice (571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731) or the UUTC. 

Carole will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.