Irene Burke, of Bennington, Vermont, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Brookdale. She was born on May 19, 1928, to Rose and Cyril Hoyt.
Irene dedicated her life to her family and home. She took great joy in cooking and caring for her children. In her free time, she enjoyed knitting and once had the unique experience of posing for Norman Rockwell’s A Soldier’s Homecoming.
She is survived by her children: Jon Burke (Debi), Rosemary Cooke, Patrick Burke (Jean), Priscilla Favreau (Ray), and David Burke; her siblings: James Hoyt, Duane Hoyt, Ralph Hoyt, Gene Hoyt, and Anne Benini; and her sister-in-law: Joan Hoyt, Sheila Hoyt, and Anne Hoyt. Irene is also lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph “Jim” Burke; her parents, Rose and Cyril Hoyt; her brothers, Cyril, Theodore, Thomas, and Frederick Hoyt; and her son, Mark Burke.
A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mahar & Son Funeral Home in Bennington, Vermont. A burial will follow at Saint Columban’s Cemetery in Arlington, Vermont.
Memorial contributions in Irene’s honor may be made to Brookdale Fillmore Pond or to VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region.