Obituaries

Ann Bernadette (Hedden) Burke, age 85, a 51-year resident of Scott Twp., but a lifelong Scranton resident at heart, passed away Saturday evening after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Willard J. Burke, on December 19, 2006.
Born in Scranton on January 23, 1936, daughter of the late Francis, Sr. and Ann (McHale) Hedden, Ann was a graduate of the former Holy Rosary High School in North Scranton where she was proudly voted “best pearls” in her graduating class. She served as a waitress at the former Castle Restaurant, worked as manager of Burlington Apex Shoes before retiring from the dietary department of Allied Services.
An amazing pianist who had played all of her life, she was also a fixture of the local bowling scene having played in countless area leagues throughout the years. Never one to pass up on a good game show, she was also a lifelong member of Mary, Mother of God Parish.
Strong-willed, independent and social, Ann seemed to make a friend wherever she went. Passing away peacefully at the home of her daughter on Saturday, she will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her children, caregivers Sheila Renter and husband Jim, Sr. of Scott Twp. and Karen Toro and husband Brian and Michael Burke; her brother, Francis Hedden, Jr. and wife Ann of Scranton; four grandchildren, Atty. Michael Wrobel, Jr. and wife Mona, Jennifer Kastenbaum and husband Daniel, James Renter, Jr. and Patrick Ryan Renter; a great grandson, Grayson Kastenbaum; and nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank both Ann’s longtime physician, Maryann McDonald, and also the entire staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, for their collective care.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Thursday at 8:45 AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 9:30 AM Liturgy of the Word at Holy Rosary Church (Mary, Mother of God Parish), 316 William Street in Scranton. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 5-7:00 PM at the funeral home.