Barbara Burke, age 80, passed away Thursday, August 27, at St. Anthony Hospital, Rockford, IL, following complications after a fall. She was born March 12, 1946, in Mt Vernon, IL, the fourth and youngest daughter of Charles and Iva Toombs Copeland. WWII was ending when IL PVT 1ST CLASS US ARMY Charles E. Copeland was killed just 5 months before Barb was born.

Barb married the love of her life, Donald C. Burke, on July 12, 1980 in Rochelle, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ann Engelkes, Carolyn McDuffee, Venida Stricklin and Darlene McCaslin, and infant brother Donnie Friend, a grandson Adam Herbert, brothers-in-law Dennis Burke and Curt Whitney and, of course, her husband, Don Burke (2018).

Barb is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Ginger & Kevin Rogers; granddaughter Taylor Rogers, grandsons Nolan Rogers and Andy Newman; brother Ronald Friend, brothers-in-law Bert (Jane) Engelkes, LeRoy McDuffee, Drs Robert (Roberta) Burke, sisters-in-law Kathe Burke and Nola Burke and adopted sister Pam Quick Stangley and many nieces and nephews. Also, a son Jeffrey Newman and his family; stepsons Donald Burke Jr and Joseph Burke and their families.

Barb worked at the DelMonte Can Plant for 35 years, first on the end line and later in quality control, eventually retiring from Silgan in 2004. She was very active in the union serving as a steward and ultimately being the secretary/treasurer. She joined Don in the Hub City Cruisers Car Club which Don founded with friends Jack Gittleson, George Stangley and Dave Tess. Barb enjoyed car club outings and traveled to many car shows with Don. Something they especially enjoyed in retirement was their winter home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

The granddaughter of a preacher, Barb returned to church when her mother joined her in Rochelle, growing very involved in Tres Días via the First Presbyterian Church. She helped organize luncheons for funerals and was a longtime volunteer at the Presbyterian Resale Shop.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and private family services held at a later date. Unger Horner Funeral home is assisting the family. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guestbook.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Ginger Rogers.