Ann Marie Burke

Brownsville, VT - Ann Marie Burke, 78, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 26, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH, surrounded by her devoted husband, Ken; daughter, Ally; and sister, Janet.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, and raised primarily in Glens Falls, NY, she moved with her family to Claremont, NH, for her senior year and graduated from Stevens High School. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Castleton College in Vermont and a master's degree from Antioch University New England. She dedicated over 40 years to elementary education, serving in many roles, including as a primary teacher, a Reading Recovery specialist and a principal in Springfield, VT, where she made a lasting impact on countless young students.

After overcoming major health challenges in her 30s, she became a medical miracle and beacon of hope, generously sharing her incredible energy and story of healing with cancer support groups across New England and beyond. Her resilience inspired many and exemplified the strength of the human spirit.

She found joy in life's simple beauties: tending her garden beneath the majestic Ascutney Mountain, feeding the birds, taking long walks through the fields with her beloved dogs, cherishing family vacations at Goose Rocks Beach, Maine, and immersing herself in the natural world she so loved.

In her final days, she kept smiling and repeating the word "love"—a testament to the beautiful energy and boundless love she shared with all who knew her. She was an adoring grandmother to Kellan and Noelle, and a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, deeply cherished by her extensive extended family—the Waldrons, Burkes, Baghdoyans, McElduffs, and so many more friends and neighbors whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed by all.

She was predeceased by her brother, Paul Waldron. Ann is survived by her husband, Kenneth Burke of Brownsville; a daughter, Allyson McElduff of Cedar Knolls, NJ; and two grandchildren.

A celebration of Ann Marie's life will be held in the spring, with the date to be announced. Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society. PO Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037. https://lucymac.org/donate-2/