Catherine Rose Burke

Catherine Rose Burke of Wilmington, Delaware passed away at her home surrounded by the love of her family and friends on May 5, 2026 at the age of 64. Though cancer eventually caused her death it never stopped her from living life to the fullest while she was here.

Cathy was very involved with Corpus Christi School and Parish. Never missing one of the girls’ school activities. She loved contributing to a community rooted in her faith. Long after Megan and Lauren graduated, she continued to make an impact in the parish by lecturing, participating in Parish Council and volunteering with her grandsons at St. Vincent dePaul food pantry.

Cathy was the heartbeat of her family, both immediate and extended. Hosting innumerable family gatherings, she was committed to the continuation of meaningful traditions. Her dedication, love, joy and spirit shone through the multitudes of family celebrations, birthdays and holidays, with an extreme emphasis on Christmas.

For 64 summers, Cathy enjoyed sharing her family cottage on the North East River with her family and friends. Whether it was boating, water skiing, jet skiing, doing puzzles on the porch, bonfires, Ninja B. missions or just sitting on the beach enjoying each other’s company, the cottage and her cottage peeps held a special place in her heart.

For the past 35 years, one of her life passions, shared across generations, was volleyball. She coached, played, scored, and officiated across many levels. From CYM to High School, Club to College, Cathy was involved in it all. She loved getting to know her players, helping them grow and cheering them on as their volleyball careers and lives continued.

After being employed by local CPA firms for many years, Cathy started her own very successful bookkeeping business. She worked with various clients, many of whom became dear friends.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Frank, her cherished daughters Megan O’Brien (Donny) and Lauren Burke (Keith), adored grandsons Kollin and Austin O’Brien, beloved big sisters Mary Cynthia Sublett and Carol Gottschall (Milt), much loved nieces and nephews Claire Furness (Steve), Matthew McCudden (Barb), Anna McCudden (John), Rachael Leberstien (Lou), Steven Potter, 10 precious grand nieces and nephews, siblings Bruce Skinner (Ara), Kathy Barnes, Wayne Skinner and their families, and lifelong BFFs Robin Dobies and Diane Kurtz.

Cathy would like to thank Dr. Himelstein, Dr. Amy McGhee-Jez and the nurses and support staff from Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants and the Infusion Centers at Helen Graham Center and Christiana Hospital. Their kindness and compassion brought light to a challenging journey.

A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 901 New Road Wilmington, DE 19805. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 901 New Road Wilmington, DE 19805, where visitation will begin at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19808.

Per Cathy’s request, please no flowers. If you’re called to support them, the following organizations were close to Cathy’s heart: Special Olympics of Delaware ( sode.org/donate ) or St. Vincent dePaul Society (Corpus Christi SVDP, 905 New Road, Wilmington, DE 19805)