The family of Judy Burke of Newport News, Virginia is saddened to announce her sudden passing on November 19, 2025, at the age of 75 years. She is survived by her loving husband Jim, 3 sons; Chad, Jeff and Garrett and 3 grandchildren; Noah, Athan and Georgia.
Judy was born in Moline, Illinois to the late Cliff and Evelyn Cowan. She graduated from Davenport West High School in 1968. Judy married her husband, Jim on 8 February 1969 in Davenport, Iowa.
Judy was an avid runner, biker and dedicated longtime member at Weight Watchers. She most enjoyed Jazzercise, starting in 1984 as a student. She progressed to become a franchisee and began teaching Jazzercise in Germany in 1991. Her passionate and enthusiastic style inspired countless students from numerous locations as Jim’s career led the Burke family across our great nation from, Franklin, Wisconsin to Cortland Ohio, to O’Fallon Illinois.
Judy enjoyed working as a customer service and cashier at various grocery stores. She always gave the best customer service, her personal touch with a smile and chat was her signature. Judy worked at Food Lion grocery store in Newport News all during COVID because she knew that she was needed and showed up every day to help people, that’s the way she was!
Judy always had a love for her pets and animals in general. Jim gave her a Siamese cat she named Pyewacket before they were married. Judy brought the family joy with pets all her life. Chad’s first dog Spanky, Jeff’s goldfish Josie Wales and his six turtles! Garrett’s dog Riley and our last dog Sadie. All the cats (Tuffy, Chester, Max, Bix, Merlin, Dexter, Otis and Daisy) soon became siblings to the dogs! Judy was a lifelong member of the SCPA and did volunteer work at the shelter in Newport News.
In her final days she “adopted” her horses through animal therapy with Chester, Leroy and Pretty Woman. Her last adoptee was Penelope; an injured duck she helped get to a shelter for injured wildlife. Judy loved and cared about all her pets throughout her lifetime.
Judy was a devoted wife, mother, and Grammy. Her greatest joys were spending time decorating her home with each holiday and seasonal change. She will be remembered for her kindness, laughter, dedication and motivating others to exercise and lose weight and unwavering support for her loved ones.
The family will have a private Celebration of Life when they meet to spread her remains near a Beautiful tree with bright orange, red, yellow leaves, just like she always loved the colorful Fall where she wanted her remains.
