March 14 1928 (Toronto ON) – December 15 2016 (Clinton ON).
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Our sweet mum slipped into the wide-open gates of heaven in the early hours of December 15, 2016 at the HPHA – Clinton Public Hospital. True to form, Mum hung on for Michael’s December 13th birthday–a musical, soulful celebration around her bed. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Molly is the loving mother of Judith (Chuck), Jo-Anne (Ward), and Michael (Deanne). She is grandmother to Dinney children Sunny (Mads), Jayden (Brit), and Maria (Mick); and Simmons children Adam, Jane (Tyler), and Ann (Dan). She boasts four beautiful great-grandchildren: Minni, Maggie, Harper, and Benjamin. Jay and Allan Mallette and Jennifer Gignac and Megan Scruton and their families will remember Mum.
Nieces Lynne, LeeAnn, Margie, and nephew David hold Auntie Molly in their hearts.
Sister, Elsie Veronica (1989) and parents Christine Beard (1959) and Desmond Charles Barker (1975) predecease her.
Finally, we extend our thanks to the unsung heroes who shared in our journey: Dr. J. Jadd (Exeter) and his team, George and Fred Godbolt and associates, Royal Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (Goderich), CCAC, Jasmine Kennedy, Dr. Loretta Seevaratnam and her team, Clinton Public Hospital, and last but certainly not least Goderich Place Retirement Home. Because of their professional and caring approach, the staff members at GP fulfilled our goal—to keep Mum in her own cozy room surrounded by precious memories until her final few days. You did it! Thank you. Please know the depth of our gratitude.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Monday evening 7-9 PM. A memorial service will be held at Caven Presbyterian Church, 68 Main Street South, Exeter on Tuesday, December 20th at 11 AM with Rev. Robert Adams officiating. Cremation with interment Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the South Huron Hospital Foundation – Jessica’s House or a charity of your choice are appreciated by Molly’s family.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
George and Sue Wilson
Judy, Jo-Anne, Mike and families, we are saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was always friendly. Always a smile on her face. Sorry we couldn’t attend funeral or visitation. We are praying for peace and comfort for you. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue
Peggy VonDrasek
Dear Judy, JoAnne, and Michael,
Pete told me of your Mom’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will always think of your Mom with a smile on her face! I hope that memories of happy times together will help you get through the days ahead, especially over Christmas.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
Peggy (Pryde) VonDrasek
Phyllis Szusz
So sad to have my new friend Molly leave us. Sending prayers to her family.
Terri Finch
So sorry for your incredible loss Judy, Joanne, Michael and families. From knowing your family and seeing the pictures I know that your memories and love for each other will strengthen you and keep you in especially in the days ahead.
Susan Turnbull
Jo-Anne
I remember your Mom with fondness. I will never forget the first time I was taken across the road to play with you and how welcoming your Mom was. The screen door from the side porch banged behind me – she was across the kitchen, turned and smiled. That experience was repeated many times after that as our friendship grew. I will always treasure my friendship with you – it was very important to me during the years in elementary school – and I am very sorry that I am unable to tell you so in person. I send my sincere condolences to you and your family. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Take great care, Susan (Tuckey) Turnbull
Kim and Ken Pinder
Dear Joanne and Judy
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom.. Thinking of you.
David McClure
Judy,Joanne,Michael and all of the Burke family :
I have such pleasant memories of all of our contacts over many years through church and school .
And I was always happy that my daughter , Molly ,and your mother shared the same name .
Matthew, Sarah , Susan & Molly send their sympathies to all of you .
I pray for our Lord’s comfort and blessings to all of of you in this time of grief .
Ken and Sandi Bergmann
Our sincerest sympathies on the loss of your Mother and Grandmother.May good memories surround you with love and bring you peace.
Jim and Yvonne Barnetson
Jo-Anne and family we are so sorry for the lose of your mother. She was a lovely lady. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Yvonne (Fisher) Barnetson.
Ron and Marlene Moore
Judy, Jo-Anne ,Michael sending our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I first met your Mom way back in the seventies when she was the coordinator of The Huron County Christmas Bureau.It was organized and ran out of the Exeter United Church basement, they advertised they needed help , I went and the rest is history . She left such a huge impression on me on how important it is to help people in need and to support the lonely and underprivileged . I have volunteered and helped organize at our Catholic Precious Blood Church when it is our turn ever since .Molly was wonderful gift the good Lord sent to me, in a time of my life that I truly needed support.We shared so many stories and would pick up right where we left off, years later when we would meet here and there. Molly had the Best Hugs .She will be missed by many, cherish your memories, I will hold mine especially at Christmas . ?Prayers ????Marlene and Ron Moore
Barb Fleet
Thinking of you at this sad time Molly was a beautiful lady. I feel blessed to have known her
John & Sharon McNeilly
So very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was a most gracious and caring individual, always interested in where and what our children were up to. She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and I know that you have made wonderful memories through the years. Hold those memories close to your heart as you move through the days and weeks ahead.
Dianne and Bill Dietirch
Judy, Joanne, Mike and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time. Your mom was very special. Your memories are very precious.
Bill and Dianne Dietrich.
George and Keller
Judy, Jo-Ann and Mike. We send our deepest sympathy on the loss of such an amazing person. Molly was a large part of our life, always making us feel welcome and comfortable in her home. She will always be remembered.
George and Elaine
Liilian Wilton
Just read of your mom’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you as you say your good-byes to her. She was a lady of faith and we know she is with her Lord. I spent many good times with her in her little house, talking about all kinds of things, setting the world straight. Blessings as you deal with your loss.
Ralph and Eleanor Smith
We were saddened to learn of Molly’s passing. We saw her empty space at the dining room table and were hoping she would be coming back to Goderich Place. We were glad we got to know her while we have been here. Our deepest sympathy. Ralph and Eleanor Smith
Ann Gray
Dear Joanne Judy and Mike. I was so sorry to hear about your Mum – I know how hard it is to lose your Mum. I am thinking of you all and miss you all. Ann Gray (from Brampton)
Jan Easton
Judy, Joanne and families,
I was so sorry to read about your mom’s passing. What a lovely lady she was! I had so much fun driving her and Aunt Mary Easton around. You will all have wonderful memories of her!
Praying God’s peace over each of you!
Bob and Helen Coates
Judy, Jo-Anne, and Michael
Our sympathy to you and your families on the passing of a dear sweet lady. She was so gracious to all with her endearing smile.
Bob and Helen Coates
Greg McAdams
Sorry to hear the passing of your mom Mike. Enjoy the great memories you have had.
Pam Bedour
Dear Jo-Anne, Mike, Judy and families,
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Molly was a lovely woman and I know she was a special mom. Sending peace and love, Pam (O’Brien) Bedour
Taylor Moore
Dear Michael, Judy, Jo-Anne and extended family,
Having arrived in Exeter at the tender age of 15 the Burke tribe gladly accepted me with kind open arm. Especially Molly, who weather numerous teenage angst from both Mike and myself. Thank you Molly for your tremendous patience and wisdom that you have gracefully passed on to all that you had touched.
With much love to the tribe.
Taylor Moore
Lisbon, Portugal
Bernice Thompson
To all of Molly’s Family
Sincere condolences in the loss of a precious family member.
Molly was a most gracious and lovely lady.We always had lots of fun and interesting
conversations with her in our church activities.
Bernice Thompson
Wilma Visscher
So sorry for the loss of your mum. She was a wonderful lady. May your memories carry you through the days ahead.
Braden Whilsmith
Dear Michael, Judy, Jo-Anne and families,
We were so sad to hear of your Mum’s passing. Molly was a kind and special lady. She was so nice when we were kids, always cheerful, nurturing and with a smile on her face. We’ll remember her fondly. Please accept our condolences at this sad time and cherish the memory of your beautiful mother.
Braden and Jeannette Whilsmith
Donna Perry
I knew Molly for a long time and have many happy memories. We had a lot of fun working on the Caven newsletter together. She will be missed by many. With Deepest Sympathy Donna Perry
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
So sorry to hear of your loss.Molly was such a great lady.Sending our condolences to all of you and your families.She will be missed.Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Judy Dalrymple
Tom and Carol Arthur
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. Molly was a sweet lady and always had a smile.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
Sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. I was just talking to her two weeks ago in Goderich Place.
We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
Judy, Jo-Anne Michael and families, I was saddened to read of Molly’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and I am sure you all have great memories of time gone by over the years. Instead of tears I am sure she would want you to remember the happy times and be glad she is not suffering any more. Thoughts and prayers to your family!!! Hugs JoAnne
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
What a great tribute to your Mom your wrote Judy!! She was a wonderful lady I alway enjoyed seeing and taking to her. It is with sad hearts we let them go to a much better place as not to have them suffer any longer. With tears your memories are great I am sure and the smiles will over come the tears. Bug hugs to you and your family!! Jo
Marion McCarter
To Molly’s Family
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time. Her memories will become treasures that will remain in your
hearts forever. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion
Heather (Wein) Joynt
Judy, Jo-Anne and Mike,
So very sorry to hear about Molly’s passing. I remember her as a lovely, gentle and warm soul. Thinking of you as you gather together in her memory. Condolences and hugs to all.
Peg Fraser Chornenki
We remember Aunt Molly as one of the golden girls, which include Molly, my mom Georgie Fraser still going strong at 93 and Gini Wilkins still one of the girls. Many summers at the cottage known as the summer place, We the kids are part of the old times gang, which started in London, where are parents purchased there first homes. Good times had by all.
Wendi Schwindt
Thinking of you and your families and holding you in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to lose a mom especially at Christmas…
Carolyn Rose
To the family of Molly,
Sorry to read of Molly’s passing. I often thought of Molly after she moved out of her cute little home on Huron St. During my visits her and I shared many laughs and enjoyed loving conversation of her family and how proud she was of her grand children and great grand babies who she loved dearly. Hold all those precious times close to your heart and she will be that shining star high in the sky shining down on you.
Carolyn Rose(Saint Elizabeth)
Melonie Miller
Our sincere sympathy to all of the Burke family.. she raised wonderful children.. a wonderful mum .. thinking of all of you
Barry and Melonie Miller
Karen & Randy Stanlake
So sad to hear of your loss! Molly was a wonderful woman! We first met in my early days working at Kongskilde. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. We crossed paths several times later doing volunteer work in the community. She will be missed!
May you soon turn your grief into a celebration of a wonderful life of a wonderful woman.
Joan Cleave
Molly came into my life as both being members of Caven Presbyterian Church….I loved her at first meeting….she was very special to me….her personality drew you to her….have thought of her often in the past couple of years….Molly will be missed – My sympathies to Judy, Jo-Anne, Micheal and families…it was a blessing to call her a friend….
George Armstrong
Mike, Judy, Jo-Anne & families
Please accept my condolences on the loss of you mom. Molly was like a second mom to me when Mike and I were growing up, as I was a bit of a fixture at the Burke homes on Sanders St. and Main St. I have fond memories of a kind a gentle lady. I’m sure you have many great memories that you will cherish.
Thinking of you all,
George Armstrong & family
Karen Brown
Judy, Jo-Anne and families,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of your mother and grandmother. She will live on in the valuable stock of beautiful memories that you’ve made together over the years. I’ll keep you in my prayers and join others in wishing you strength in the days ahead.
Hugs, Karen
Tom Raymond
Dear Mike, Judy, Jo-Anne and families. I’m so sorry to hear of Molly’s passing. She was such a classy lady, and I’m sure she’ll be dearly missed. My sincere condolences.
Evelyn Vincent
Judith, Jo-Anne & MIchael,
So sorry to read of your great loss. Molly was loved. Praying for each of you that you experience God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Gary & Lynn Mallette
So sorry for your loss. Molly was a sweet lady. We will dearly miss her laugh. Sending prayers for your family.