Glenville- Helen Kelly Burke entered into eternal grace on July 5, 2025. Born on January 22, 1934, in Hartford, CT, Helen was nurtured in a close-knit and loving family, surrounded by her parents, Catherine and James Kelly, her three beloved sisters—Kathryn, Ann, and Maureen—and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She graduated from Mt. St. Joseph’s Academy in Hartford. In 1957, she married Leonard G. Burke Jr., and two years later they moved to Scotia, NY, where Helen began a lifelong commitment to service—both to her community and to her parish, St. Joseph’s Church of Scotia. Her deep Catholic faith was central to her life, and she remained actively involved in parish life for over 60 years.

Helen’s dedication to her church community took many forms. She led CYO youth programs, including organizing a memorable 12-day trip to Europe. She sewed curtains for the church hall and school while contributing her time and insight on the Pastoral Council and Long Range Planning Committee. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and Extraordinary Minister, supported couples as a Pre-Cana leader, and coordinated retreats for the Albany Diocese LEAP program. Beyond the church walls, she served meals at City Mission and taught sewing through the BRIDGE Center in Schenectady. She also facilitated women’s spiritual retreats and offered support through prison ministry—all while staying deeply connected to her cherished weekly prayer group of three women she loved dearly.

Helen’s thirst for knowledge led her on a 17-year educational journey, culminating in a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Management from SUNY Albany, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Her professional life was marked by compassion and leadership. She served as Director of Volunteers for Hospice of Schenectady, Administrative Officer for Saratoga County Mental Health Center, and Assistant Director of Capital District Hospice. Even after retirement, her service only increased. She played a key role in the planning and creation of the Joan Nicole Prince Community Home in Glenville, which provides end-of-life care to those in need. As both a longtime board member and volunteer, she offered comfort and presence to the dying—one of her most meaningful callings.

Helen also led bereavement groups for those grieving the loss of loved ones, which inspired her to pursue further spiritual study. Through the St. Bernard’s Institute of Theology and Ministry, she became a certified Spiritual Director through the Albany Diocese. She continued to take courses, always seeking to deepen her ability to support others in their spiritual growth with a kind and listening heart. As part of her service, Helen worked closely with the Diaconate program, providing spiritual direction to over 50–60 candidates as they prepared for ministry—a role she embraced with grace, wisdom, and deep compassion.

Though Helen rarely shared the full extent of her commitments, her family knows that everything she took on was done with quiet devotion, purpose, and love.

She is survived by her children: Karen (Rob) Russell, Lenny (Beth) Burke, Chris (Leni) Burke, Kevin Burke (Audra Hanley), Kelly Burke (Jack Brown).

Her grandchildren: Jen (Jimmy) and their children Charlotte and Connor, Tom (Kasey), David (Julie), Andy (Katie) and their son Beckham, James (Taylor) and their sons Ben, Dom, and Cal, Erin (Kaitlyn) and their son Silas, Sean (Jayna) and their children Jackson and Lillianna, Liam, John, Owen, Maisarah, Aishah, Max, and Cole.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Leonard Burke, and her sister, Kathryn Maillett.

When asked what mattered most in her life, Helen’s answer was always the same: her family. One example of this enduring love was her tradition of hosting Thursday night pizza dinners for 37 years—a simple, beautiful ritual that kept her family connected and supported through all the challenges of life and parenthood.

Helen left this world peacefully, with grace—just as she lived.

A Wake will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 231 Second Street, Scotia, NY, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Schenectady Community Home, Inc. – Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Drive, Scotia, NY 12302.

www.joannicoleprincehome.org