It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Burk, age 96, on June 6, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband, veteran Leonard Burk in 1997.
Jean was born on April 3, 1930 just outside Ridgetown. She was one of nine siblings born to the late Orlo “Pete” Jackson and Neva (Merritt) Jackson and is survived by her sister Doris Tengelis (late John) and brother Lloyd Jackson (Joanne). She was predeceased by her sisters Velma Miklos (late John) and Gloria Ripley (Melvin), and by her brothers Glen Jackson (Nellie), Herbert Jackson (late Francis), Leo Jackson (late Freda) and Cliff Jackson (late Audrey).
Jean and Leonard were also parents to nine children: Gloria Bell (late Jim), Gary Burk (Elena Huseynova), Lenny (Leonard) Emmerson Burk who died in infancy, Laura Shoemaker (Brad), Sandra Burk, Donna Ogle, Connie Stothart, Kimberly Burk (Larry Osmon) and Jamie Burk (Kathy Kunzler). She was loved by 23 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased in life by her grandchildren Chawn, Dustien and Braedon.
Jean enjoyed going for walks, crocheting, knitting, sewing and growing plants. She was a queen of crossword puzzles and a professional living room Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy contestant. She loved all pets, especially her budgies and her memories of Bailey were always close to her heart. Jean’s final days were filled with tenderness, surrounded by the grandchildren who stayed close and held her with the same love she had always given them.
In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private family interment will take place in Burk Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ontario SPCA or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
