With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elna Virginia Burke (nee Miller) on November 18, 2020 in Calgary at the age of 93 years. She passed away peacefully with Jane, her eldest daughter and primary caregiver by her side. Elna experienced a sudden and brief decline and passed away peacefully in her lovely assisted living home.

Elna was born at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. She lived her early years on her parent's (Russell and Lila Miller) farm near Lyalta, Alberta. Elna enjoyed riding her horse to school in Lyalta. Due to her father's health constraints, he retired from farming and moved the family to Calgary where he co-founded Attridge and Miller Machinists. When Elna was 12 years old the family relocated to Lethbridge and her father established a new business, Lethbridge Iron Works.

Elna completed her education in Lethbridge and worked as a hostess at the Marquis Hotel until she and Pat (Patrick Burke) married in 1945. Elna and Pat's first child, Jane, arrived a year later in 1946. They raised four children in southern Alberta.

In 1973, Elna and Pat built a cattle feedlot at Dundurn, Saskatchewan and after 12 years they returned to Alberta for their retirement in Erskine. They enjoyed 25 plus winters in Yuma, Arizona. From their home base in Yuma, they would also explore further afoot into Arizona and California. They particularly enjoyed fishing and other excursions in Mexico. Elna and Pat made many fond memories visiting family and friends en route to and from Yuma each year.

Elna was predeceased by her son Barry and her husband Pat. She is survived by her three daughters, Jane Brown, Patsy Kauk and Jo-Anne Jardine; as well as her nine grandchildren and their spouses; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Our family extends our deep gratitude to the staff at Walden Heights Seniors Community for the outstanding care they provided to Elna. The home was kept immaculately clean and orderly at all times and Elna's caregivers were attentive to her health care and personal needs. Thank you to all on the Walden Heights team!

No service will be held. Support may be shown by planting a memorial tree or making a donation to the Alberta Lung Association in the memory of Elna Burke.

Alberta Lung Association
17420 Stony Plain Rd #208, Edmonton AB T5S 1K6
Tel: 1-780-488-6995
Web: https://www.ab.lung.ca/