Obituary & Life History

 Burke, Elise Claudia Baris A beloved wife, devoted mother, enthusiastic lover of animals and loving teacher and counselor to students with disabilities, she passed on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at 8:41 p.m. to her glorious reward after leading a courageous life. Elise's ready smile and bubbly personality touched everyone she met. She was at home in nature, especially the seashore. She created beautiful works of art on canvas and in wood which were inspired by her deep and abiding love of nature, people and animals. Elise's strong religious faith sustained her throughout her short, shining life, culminating in a pilgrimage in 2004 to Medjugorje, where the Blessed Virgin Mary began appearing in 1981. This experience only deepened her devotion to Mary and strengthened her faith even more. Elise was a native of Pawtucket, R.I., studied at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and lived in Baton Rouge for 28 years, where she worked at the Louisiana School for the Deaf. Her inner spiritual beauty was outwardly manifested in her physical beauty and grace, as well as her loving gifts of art and her loving presence. God blessed us all with the gift of Elise's gentle soul and we shall cherish her memory forever. She is survived by her husband, Leo Albert Burke of Baton Rouge; daughter, Lucette Ann Tyler and spouse Jason M. Tyler of Chicago; son, Louis E. Burke and spouse Alice Lee Burke of Baton Rouge; mother, Jeanette D. Baris, Pawtucket; sister, Camille Brousseau, Pawtucket; and stepmother, Yvette Baris, Franklin, Mass. Elise was preceded in death by her father, Norman R. Baris, who was of Franklin. Pallbearers will be Alan Guidry, David Guidry, Joseph Mondello, Houston Moss, Joseph Nipper and Jud Terry. Visiting at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., from 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Victor G. Messina, celebrant. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Mercy or St. Agnes Catholic churches in Baton Rouge. A very special thanks to Generations Hospice nurses and aides and the staff of NNA Dialysis.
 Published in The Advocate from 11/25/2005 - 11/27/2005.

http://www.legacy.com/theadvocate/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=15749168

Click "Return back to Memorials webpage"