The death has occurred of former Fine Gael TD Joan Burke, who represented the people of Roscommon from 1964 to 1981.
A native of Tulsk Joan Burke was first elected as a TD in the Roscommon by-election of 1964 following the death of her husband James. She was re-elected in 1965 and retained her seat in the 5 elections she contested until her retirement at the time of the 1981 election.
Mrs Burke, who was 88, passed away peacefully at the Marlay Nursing Home, Dublin. She is survived by her son, Joseph and daughter Anne Marie, son in law David, granddaughters Emily and Isabel, sisters Kathleen Walsh and Monica Butler, brother Billy Crowley, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at McHugh’s Funeral Home, Strokestown tomorrow (Tuesday, November 29th), from 5p.m. until 6:30pm followed by removal to the Church of S.S. Eithne and Fidelma, Tulsk to arrive at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, at 11:30a.m. Burial afterwards in Tulsk Cemetery.
Ar deis Dé go raibh an anam dílis.
Tributes
Senator Frank Feighan has paid tribute to Joan Burke, saying that she was “a very fine politician”. “In a 17 year political career, she served the people of Roscommon and Leitrim with distinction. That proud record of retaining her seat in the 5 elections she contested was testament to her reputation as a politician who worked extremely hard for people and local communities.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Joan in Dublin a few years ago and she was an absolutely lady. Joan was held in very high esteem by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Joan Burke, who will be sadly missed.”
Minister Denis Naughten said ““Joan was an inspiration to women in politics, I was saddened to learn of her passing. I will always remember Joan kindly agreeing to launch my first general election campaign in 1997 and indeed my grandfather had introduced Joan in Drum when she first ran for election in 1964. I wish to extend my sympathies to the members of her family.”