Obituary of Arlene M. Burke

It is with the deepest sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Arlene Margaret Burke, who left this world Sunday, November 30, 2025 in the arms of her children Bill and Sue. She leaves behind her five children: Debbie Williams and her husband Rich, Bill Burke, Bob Burke and his wife Cassie, John Burke and his wife Remy, and Suzanne Burke Spencer and her husband, David. She also leaves behind her 9 beautiful grandchildren, Briehan Burke, Lindsay Burke-Salazar and husband Tomas Salazar, Robbie Williams, Morgan Burke, Michael Williams, Jack Williams, Grady Burke, Taylor Burke, and Davis Burke, along with her great-grandson Holden. She is also survived her sister, Ruth, and her husband Ted Powell, as well as her niece Sharon and nephews Thomas and Keith.

Born Arlene Debold on January 11, 1936, to our beloved grandparents Thomas and Ruth Debold, Arlene was as much a child of her times as she was of Thomas and Ruth. Born in the heart the Great Depression, she was heavily influenced by the greatest generation of Americans, whose sacrifices allowed this country to not only survive the incredibly difficult circumstances of her time but to thrive. In Arlene, these times led to a selflessness and humility that would characterize her throughout her life and shine through in her many fruitful endeavors. She was an ardent patriot with a deep and abiding love for both God and her country. Her faith ran deep!  

Amongst her many notable talents, she was a beautiful singer and shared her voice on many occasions during parties and events. Whether singing for friends at a party or singing the national anthem in front of President Ronald Reagan, she sang with a unique blend of purpose, soulfulness and power that reflected her personality. Although medical issues in her late 50's resulted in her losing her ability to sing, she never complained about it, preferring instead to focus on what she could “do” in life as opposed to what she could no longer. Favorite songs of hers included "Memories" from the Broadway musical Cats, "People" from the Broadway musical Funny Girl, and, of course, "Ave Maria." Arlene was affectionately nicknamed "LaLa" by her eldest grandchild, Briehan, because she always sang to her. This name seemed to characterize the essence of the person to the extent that to many of her family and friends, she was no longer Arlene or Mom, she was simply  “LaLa”.  

LaLa graduated with a B.S. from St. Elizabeth's College and was working in a lab when she met Dr. William Burke, who would become her husband of 37 years. Her focus, love and singular dedication to her family and friends was ultimately what defined her life, to the great good fortune of those who were the beneficiaries of her many gifts and generosity. In addition to her family, LaLa simply had a love of people and life. Her love and interest did not discriminate. She had a unique ability to find the beauty in everyone and this formed the basis of her relationship with the many people she touched. She also had a  gift for making people feel comfortable in their own skin, caring much more about qualities of the heart than anything material. This and her ever-present youthful energy allowed her to form deep connections with people of all ages and occupations. She was much more than a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt; to so many of us, she was our closest friend, trusted advisor, biggest fan, greatest defender and truth teller, ever-ready with a smile and open arms. She will be missed dearly.

There will be a celebration of Arlene's (a.k.a. LaLa's) life starting this Friday, December 5^th, with a wake at Holle Funeral Home in Maplewood from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm. There will be a funeral mass at 10:00 am on Saturday at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills .  

Based on Lala’s love of Seton Hall University basketball, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pirate Blue Athletic Fund of Seton Hall University.