Barbara Jean (Lowry) Burke

On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, Barbara Jean (Lowry) Burke, loving wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother to two granddaughters, passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 65. 

Barb was born on November 21, 1956 to Bernard and Evelyn (Salla) Lowry. She was raised in Schererville, IN and graduated from Lake Central High School in 1975. On October 2, 1976, she married Gerald Thomas Burke. They raised two sons, Brad Thomas and Craig Francis Burke.  

Barbara spent the majority of her young married life raising her two sons, she later worked for many years at the San Francisco Music Box Company, among other places. She enjoyed gardening and taking walks with her good friend and neighbor, also named Barb. 

However, Barb’s biggest passion was for her grandchildren, Rachel and Taylor Burke. She spent many wonderful years helping care for them and molding them into the wonderful young women they are today. She particularly enjoyed watching them compete in their extracurricular activities; such as soccer, volleyball and track. Barb is their biggest fan. 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Evelyn (Salla) Lowry, father-in-law Everett (Jeanette) Burke, Sr., and brother-in-law Everett (Tamara) Burke, Jr. She is survived by several loving family members, including her husband: Gerald Thomas Burke; two children: Brad Thomas and Craig Francis Burke; daughter-in-law: Kathleen Renee (Comer) Burke; two grandchildren: Rachel Rylee Burke and Taylor Nicole Burke. In addition to many nieces and nephews, Barb is survived by her sisters: Pauline (Kevin) Greene, Betty (Bo) Kaeser, and Theresa Lowry; brother: George (Janet) Lowry; mother-in-law: Jeannette (Koepl) Burke; sister-in-law: Cheryl Burke; and bother-in-law: Kenneth Burke. 

In lieu of services, a celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on September 24, 2022 at her son Craig’s home (1308 S. Peace St. Greenfield, IN 46140) between 2:00pm and 8:00pm EST. All are welcome to come enjoy Barb’s favorite foods as we reminisce and tell stories of the amazing and sweet woman she is.  

Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W. US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN  46130.

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com

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