Rita Ann Burke, age 73, a resident of Pasadena, died on February 4, 2013 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center after a two year illness.

She was born on October 16, 1939, in Baltimore, to the late Virginia E. and Alfred J. Burke, Sr. After high school, she worked as a supervisor at Misty Harbor for ten years, and as a supervisor for London Fog for 26 years. She also worked as a homemaker, grandmother and great grandmother, and managed a dance studio, “Dance Explosion” for 21 years. She loved going to church and had a cherished rosary collection, enjoyed classical music, and attending all of her children and grandchildren’s events, especially the ballet when her granddaughter Michele was performing.

She is survived by her two daughters: Janet Lee Wiles and Colleen Marie Parker, both of Pasadena; two sons: Derek John Parker, of Baltimore, and Nelson Harry Parker, Jr., of Perryville; brother Alfred Burke, Jr., of Wilmington, DE, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Family invites friends to visit on Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Jane Frances Church at 10 AM on Thursday, with Monsignor Carl Cummings officiating. Feel free to express your condolences online here as well.