MADISON / CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - Judith A. Burke, born May 21, 1944, in Lancaster, Wis., passed away Friday June 27, 2025, peacefully at home at the age of 81.

Judy worked for the State of Wisconsin for almost 40 years, working mostly in the Department of Human Relations and retiring as an Executive Occupational Services Resource Officer. When Judy was not working, she kept busy spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. She loved doing arts and crafts with them, taking them to the Zoo, going to their school events, or just hanging out reading to them or listening to them read. She was also heavily involved with her church (both in Wisconsin and California), helping feed the homeless, working on clothing drives for the shelters, and going to the homes of folks unable to get out to read to them, pray with them and just spend time with them. She also did this when she was unable to get out of the house herself, spending many hours on the phone with them.

Judy is survived by her sons, Michael and his wife, Tara, and Robert and his wife, Stacy; five awesome grandchildren, Kelley and her husband, Kyle, AJ, Brett, Caden and Dylan; along with her sister, Maryellen; and brother, Bob. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Thelma; her husband, Mike; and sister, Lynn.

A graveside service will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, followed by a luncheon at the Door Creek Golf Course, 4321 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Judy loved spending time at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, and Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage (she loved seeing all the flowers). But even more so she loved helping folks and volunteering. In lieu of flowers, Judy would love it if you scheduled a day to volunteer somewhere helping others or send a donation to a local charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Judith Burke

May 21, 1944 - June 27, 2025

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