THORBURN - It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Tracey Charlene Burke, Thorburn, announce her passing after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, August 2, 2021 in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow, surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Glasgow, Tracey was a daughter of Wayne and Marilyn (West) Petrie, Thorburn. She was a long-time employee of Career Connections as financial manager, and previously as the office manager/bookkeeper for Village Green Landscaping. Tracey will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Tracey’s generosity will be remembered by the countless people she has blessed in her lifetime. Her greatest joy was in giving to others. She will also be fondly remembered for her sharp wit, her determined spirit, and her zeal for all things Christmas. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband and best friend, Andrew Burke;, sister and best friend, DJ (Mike) Poworoznyk and their children, Trey, Taya and Roxy, Lower Sackville; brother, Nathan (Ashley) Petrie, Dartmouth; mother-in-law, Gerry Burke, Pictou; brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter and Bev Burke and their daughter, Shauna, Scotsburn; Rachael and Arnold Bennet and their son, Riley, Pictou; Matt and Michelle Burke and their son, Kris, Westville; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She is predeceased by brother, Russell Petrie (1988); maternal grandparents, Grant West and Margaret McCormick; paternal grandparents, George and Sylvia Petrie; father-in-law, Edward Burke When Tracey knew her time here with us on earth was coming to and end, she wrote some words she wanted to share: “I am so thankful to have been blessed with the most amazing parents God could ever have given anyone. There has never been a time in my life that I haven’t felt their unconditional love and support. I have left behind the most wonderful and amazing husband. Andrew Burke ensured my life was full of joy and more love than anyone could imagine. From the time I got sick he exemplified what “in sickness and in health” really means. He not only took amazing care of me, but he did it with joy. My sister DJ (Donna) and her husband Mike have been a true blessing. They have given me and amazing nephew, Trey and two gorgeous nieces, Taya and Roxy. As a family they have done all possible to make my days on this earth happy and healthy. My brother Nathan and his wife Ashely have also been a blessing and have cherished every visit with them. I am also lucky enough to leave behind several wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins too many to name. I am blessed to have wonderful in-laws. Geraldine and Edward Burke who have been caring and kind parents-in-law from the first day we met. Peter and Bev Burke, Rachel and Arnold Bennett, and Matthew and Michelle Burke have been a big part of my life and have blessed me in so many ways, especially with my niece Shauna, and nephews Riley and Kristopher. My in-laws have supported me in many ways over the years and I am so thankful for that. My church family cannot be forgotten as they have been unmoving during this cancer battle. Pastors Bruce and Marlene Morrison have led the prayer warriors at Christian Fellowship Church and beyond in a long and productive battle. Pastor Caroline Barclay and the church family at Master’s Hand Ministry have been a strong and faithful support and encouragement to me also. At times when I thought I just couldn’t take another minute of illness I would feel the many prayers and God would pull me through. So many prayed so long for me and I am truly thankful. I know I could not have gotten through this battle without several dear friends. I will not attempt to mention them all by name, but you know who you are. My co-workers have been so much more than just that. They have been faithful to check with me, visit me, and remind me how loved I am. I have several other dear friends that have been there for me not only through these years of illness but also throughout my whole life. These past few years you have been sure to make sure I was ok both physically and mentally. I could never thank you all enough for being such amazing friends. My time here on earth may be finished but I am going home to be with my Lord and Savior and hope to see you all there someday!” Tracey’s family would like to thank all the medical staff both locally and in Halifax for all the care they have given Tracey over the last several years and the excellent care given by the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit staff. A private Celebration of Life will be held in Christian Fellowship Church, 489 Abercrombie Road, New Glasgow. Tracey’s service will be livestreamed 11 a.m. Saturday, August 7th at www.christianfellowship.ca. (Please click on link to watch livestream.) Private family burial at Thorburn Cemetery. Donations in Memory of Tracey to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society. (Please click on the underline to donate.) To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Tracey Charlene Burke, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.