Margaret (Peggy) Burke

Margaret (Peggy) Burke of Nanuet, New York, mother of three daughters, passed away on May 18, 2023. Mrs. Burke raised her three children and supported her husband Patrick J. Burke. Peggy was born in County Roscommon, Ireland to Mary Ellen and James Diffley. She was the youngest of their nine children and grew up on a beautiful farm across from Lake Kilglass. Peggy immigrated to the United States and was a well-spoken, patriotic religious woman. Peggy lived in Nanuet for fifty years and enjoyed a multitude of friendships with others who had also come to the US as well as her dear friends she met at the Irish Center in Pearl River, New York. She could be found on many a Tuesday or Thursday sitting around a card table with a large group in the Irish Center playing 25 or 110. Peggy will be remembered for her devotion to her children and grandchildren, as well as her excellent card-shark playing abilities. She loved her family and epitomized the values of strength, honesty, and loyalty.  Peggy had many friends as her home was always open to visitors, where she shared her homemade brown bread and where she participated in lively discussions on any number of topics. Peggy enjoyed so many relationships in her life as she was so kind and generous. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her and knew her. 

Peggy is survived by her three daughters. Her eldest is Carmel Burke-Bonesso who is married to Bill Bonesso, whose children are William, married to Casey, and Brendan. Her middle child is Regina Burke-Jones who is married to Richard Jones whose children are Sarah, engaged to Jack Simoneau, Erin, and Richard. Her youngest is Patricia Janecka who is married to Christiaan Janecka and whose children are Iain, Maeve, and Caitlin. She is also survived by her nieces Una Ehrlich and Mary Diffley and nephew Philip Diffley in addition to a multitude of cousins. Peggy will be celebrated at a mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Nanuet at 10:00 am on June 16th, 2023. A luncheon will follow in Pearl River for her beloved family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Rockland Irish American Culture Center at 284 Convent Road, Blauvelt, NY or ARC Westchester Foundation at 265 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY. 

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