Obituary of Alice Theresa Burke

Accompanied by the prayer of the "Ave Maria", Alice Burke passed peacefully from the arms of her daughter into the arms of our Lord to receive her Eternal Reward on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Alice was born on August 26, 1937 in Cork, Ireland to her beloved parents Julia (Brady) and William Allen. She was baptized Alice Theresa and from a young age, was devoted to the Blessed Virgin and a member of the Children of Mary. Her servant's heart and artistic talents were apparent from a young age whether she was mending the uniforms for her dad's football team or making exquisite dresses copied from the latest designers for her sisters and girlfriends to wear out dancing. Although crowned "Miss Cork" for her physical beauty, it was the beauty and purity of her humble heart that was Alice's true crown. At the age of 18 years old she traveled to the shores of America following the love of her life Denis. Alice and Denis dreamed of starting a family in a free country where their children would have endless possibilities. From the time she arrived on these shores, Alice made America a brighter place. Whether she was making her department store clients feel their most beautiful or she was making every person feel welcome and cared for in her years in the restaurant business, everyone was treated with respect, a genuine smile, and if you were lucky - a song or two. Together with Denis, they raised their family, built a successful commercial painting business, and owned several restaurants. Denis built the foundation to our family and Alice was the concrete that held it together. Alice was a multi- faceted, strong, trusting woman of unshakeable faith even in the face of significant challenges along her journey. Whether you called her mom, nana, grandma, sister, aunty, cousin, friend, neighbor, or simply Mrs. Burke, you were always greeted with a loving smile and a "Hello Love." All were welcome at the home that she and Denis built. Whether you came from near or far, the house was open to all to enjoy a cup of tea, maybe a glass of wine, a song, a laugh or a nice chat in her beautiful Irish brogue which we could all listen to for hours. Alice had a glamorous sense of fashion coupled with a grace held by very few and that will be fondly missed. No one could rock a hat the way that Alice did. She was the epitome of elegance and class, a graceful lady who made everyone feel at ease. Alice enjoyed life's simpler pleasures including visiting with friends, singing at the drop of a hat, shopping for that special something, making her home a beautiful and welcoming space, taking in the beauty of Lake George, and of course thoroughly enjoying her favorite lobster dinner. She was happiest when surrounded by her children and especially her grandchildren. As a Nana and Grandma she was always there for every scraped knee, game, recital, sing along, birthday and of course the regular phone calls. Her grandchildren will cherish her stories, life lessons and knowing how blessed they are every morning when they can put their two feet on the floor. Alice never forgot her Irish roots and loved the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which she marched in, every year since landing in America - even in weather below zero when she was in her 80's! Heaven is brighter today and the 84 years of sunshine Alice brought to this world will continue to brighten our souls and the world around us forever. Let us remember her and try to live as she did - to simply treat people with kindness and to see everything as being "just grand love." Those of us left behind will miss her dearly. Our loss is profound, yet her eternal gift of faith and passionate love will sustain us until we are with her again. Alice leaves behind: her sons, Denis(Jeanette) of Houston, Texas; Paul of Colonie; and Kevin(Gina)of Altamont; and her daughter Terése Meagher (Michael) of Loudonville. She is also survived by her treasured grandchildren, Tyler, Brendan, Conor, Joseph, Bridget, Clarissa, Rory and Brianna; her beloved sisters Maureen O'Leary and Chrissie Allen; and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends. Alice was predeceased by her loving husband Denis and dear brother, James Allen. All are welcome to attend the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:00 noon Saturday January 8, 2022 at St. Pius X, 23 Crumitie Road Loudonville, NY. Calling hours will precede the Mass on Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Church. Interment will be private.