Barbara Joan Burke

Barbara Joan "Barb" Burke (née Trcka), age 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Spring Lake, MI, on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Born on November 21, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, to Margaret and Jacob Trcka, Barbara lived a life of unwavering faith, love, and service.

Barbara graduated from St. Michael High School and the St. Joseph School of Nursing in Flint. She met her husband, James, the love of her life, in Flint. They were married on November 5, 1960, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Flint, and they established their home together in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Her career as a registered nurse was marked by dedication and compassion for others. She began her professional journey in the pediatric unit at Community Hospital in Indianapolis before focusing on her growing family with her beloved husband. Together, they also opened their hearts and home as foster parents to several baby girls through the St. Elizabeth Home in Indianapolis.

After relocating to Rochester Hills, Michigan, in 1973, and as their sons grew older, Barbara continued her nursing career, working for many years at Rochester Family Practice, and later, serving patients in the Intensive and Cardiac Care Units at Pontiac General Hospital and the clinic at North Oakland Medical Center. After she and her husband moved to Spring Lake in 1993, Barbara remained committed to helping others by volunteering at North Ottawa Community Hospital and Positive Options Women's Health Clinic.

Barbara lived her Catholic faith daily and was deeply involved in ministry work alongside James throughout their marriage. As an organist at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Indianapolis, a catechism teacher for children at St. Irenaeus in Rochester Hills, and St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Spring Lake, a lector and Eucharistic Minister at both churches, a member of the St. Mary's Arts and Environment Committee and Women's Club, and chair of the St. Irenaeus Worship Commission, Barbara gave generously of her time and talents to enrich the spiritual lives of others.

Barbara enjoyed many creative pursuits and hobbies that reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved painting, gardening, cooking, and baking for family and friends, playing piano, participating in water aerobics, traveling with James for visiting family, vacations, or bicycle trips in France and Canada, and attending as many of her grandchildren's events as possible.

Barbara was a kind-hearted woman who always went out of her way for others with a warm and welcoming smile. Her devotion to God and family was evident in every aspect of her life. Every family member and friend held a special place in her heart. She always made everyone feel individually special and leaves a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara will be missed by her devoted husband of 65 years, James; and their three sons: Jim (Kim), Tim (Kristen), and Jeff (Kim); her grandchildren: Kyle, Zoe (Grant Jubb), Audrey, Connor (Madi Miller), Patrick, Erin, and Jack; step-grandchildren: Anthony, Laurel, Danielle, and Lindsey LaBara; great-granddaughter, Riley Jubb; sisters-in-law: Barbara Trcka, Joan Burke, Maureen Piontek, Patricia Burke; as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret (Pajtas) and Jacob Trcka; her brother, Jack; mother-in-law, Florence Burke; sister-in-law, Billie Stubbs; niece, Maureen Stubbs; and brothers-in-law: Bob Stubbs, Tom Burke, and David Piontek.

Barbara's family is grateful to all family and friends who have helped care for her and James over the past year, especially Emily, Rachael, and Michelle with Corewell Health Hospice.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will take place at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church (406 E. Savage St., Spring Lake), with Fr. Bill Vander Werff officiating. Visitations will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan - St. Mary Fund (Spring Lake) at www.catholicfoundationwmi.org.

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