The world lost one of the funniest, fiercest, most courageous open, honest woman on the planet. Virginia "Jini" Burke passed away at the age of 65 surrounded by her loving family and friends at St. Lukes Hospital on Thursday, April 7th. Jini moved on to the next plane of the Universe leaving a large unfillable hole behind on this one.
She leaves behind sisters Jo-Anne Burke Reilly, her husband Joe, son Burke of Seattle WA, her sister Janet Burke Myers of Austin TX, her nephew Dr Karl Erlandson his wife Dr Anna Kushnir son Ari of DC, her niece Audrey Calderwood of CA , nephew Matt Burke of CO, her niece, confidant and soul mate Chandra Penton, of Newton and the rest of her Newton Family.
She also leaves many great nieces and nephews and is preceded in death by her big brother Joseph "Ned" Burke and his wife Terry Quinn Burke and brother William "Dom" Burke.
Jini was raised in Quincy. She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in recent years in Addiction Counseling.
Jini was full of life and enjoyed her many friendships, helping people, riding motorcycles, fishing and the Boston Red Sox.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, May 21 at 2:00 at the First Parish Church in Waltham, 50 Church Street. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the service. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Red Sox shirts to celebrate Jini’s love for the team.