Theresa “Teri” Burke (1954-2015)

Theresa “Teri” Burke, age 60, a resident of Kenosha, died Wednesday May 27, 2015 after a brief illness.

Teri was born on October 1^st, 1954 in Chicago IL to William and Jeanette (Christianson) Burke who preceded her in death. The family moved to Cicero IL and then to Superior WI where Teri was educated.

Right after high school, she married Thomas Rookey and they almost immediately left for Okinawa Japan, where he served in the Navy. Their union was blessed with four children. During her time as a Navy wife, Teri was always a helpful friend to the other families, even serving as Ombudsman to the wives whose husbands were out to sea.

Teri always dreamed of being a nurse. Her compassionate, caring nature made this the perfect occupation for her and she loved her work at Winchester House in Illinois and at Brookside in Kenosha. Her residents were all very special to her and she always went the extra mile to make sure that everyone felt listened to and cared for. Teri also had a special relationship with the other staff members. She would mentor new nurses and was always kind and patient with her guidance.

Teri adored her four children and was lucky enough to see two grandchildren come joyously into her life. She would do anything for her children and often worked extra jobs when they were growing up to provide them with a good life.

Teri enjoyed her time off. She liked to read and crochet and was an Illinois born fan of both the Cubs and the Bears. She had a very tight group of friends who traveled together and celebrated each others’ birthdays, but most of all, just laughed no matter what they were doing. Her absence will leave a giant void in their lives as they had grand plans to travel together to many more locations following Teri’s recent retirement.

Teri is survived and will be especially missed by her four children Thomas Rookey, Shannon Rookey, Sara (Timothy) Brown and Laura Rookey and by two grandchildren, Jacob Powers and Amelia Brown, the baby she luckily got to meet before her death.

Teri’s son and daughters wanted to share the following reading about their mom.

“You were a strong woman with kind eyes. You have prayed and given to many people. Much of our strength comes from the knowledge and respect you have poured into our lives. You have built a bridge of faith between your life and ours. You have taught us to face a real world remembering to be strong and gentle. Your service of life is a great example and we are so very proud you are our Mother.”

A memorial service for Teri will be on Saturday June 13, 2015 at 12:00pm at the Woman’s Club of Kenosha (6028-8^th avenue). A time for visiting with the family will be held at the Woman’s Club from 11:00am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.