Marlene Burke

Rutland

Marlene Burke

After a short but vicious bout with Brain Cancer, Marlene “Molly” Reichelt Burke passed away peacefully and comfortably with her family at her side on Wednesday December 7th, 2016. Molly leaves behind her beloved son Robert and his wife Dawn of Amherst NH, and daughter Lauren of Merrimack NH, along with her grandchildren Mitchell and Sophia. Her two brothers William and Kurt Reichelt along with nieces and nephews also survive her.

Molly was born June 17th, 1934 in New Haven CT, to her father William Reichelt and mother, Leota Reichelt, who predeceased her. Molly grew up in a loving, hard working family, completing high school in New Haven. She then chose Trinity College in Burlington, VT and graduated with a love for teaching, something she would do for the rest of her life. She also met the other love of her life, her husband Robert “Bobby” Burke. Together they decided to not only take on the world, but to travel it with dignity and style.

Molly’s teaching journey took her from Barstow Middle School to Proctor High School and on to Rutland Sr. High School where she taught College Prep History for nearly 30 years. Molly, or Mrs. Burke as her students knew her, took the words “College Prep” to heart when she drove her students to excellence in a passionate, firm and positive class curriculum. Although her students dreaded the challenge, they all were better for successfully completing “Mrs. Burke’s History Class” …. After 40 years in the classroom and many nights and weekends earning her Master’s Degree, Molly was elected as the President of the VT Teacher’s Union and off to Montpelier she went. She spent 8 years fighting for the benefits and rights of her teaching colleagues gaining respect on both sides of the isle. That challenge accepted and conquered, Molly thought she might take a shot at “The Bench”. She ran and was successfully elected to the Rutland City District Court as a Side Judge. Now, a new nickname and a third career, “Judge Burke” was off and running. All the time keeping a vigorous travel schedule and making her family her number one priority. After 4 elected terms on the bench, Molly decided it was time to “retire” again and continue to travel and spend time with her grandchildren, volunteering wherever needed.

Molly lost her beloved husband Bob over thirteen years ago, unexpectedly and without warning. Although devastated, Molly put her life in the next gear and lived and traveled the way he would have wanted. Continuing to ski, travel and volunteer her services to whomever asked. From President of the Rutland Garden club to leading The Rutland Area Dismas house, Molly touched the lives of anyone she was in contact with. From being “Gria” to her grandchildren, supporting them in their studies and their sports teams, always teaching them life lessons they will carry with them forever.

She chaperoned high school trips to Bermuda and Austria. One memorable skiing venture to Germany she made lifelong friends beginning with the relationship of a simple interpreter, helping Molly get on the right train when no one would speak English to her. Her beloved Claudia remains her European adopted “daughter” who she shared a number of global adventures with.

Her German heritage has shown through in her devoted love for hard work and the slopes. From her lifelong friends at the Pico Ski Club, to the Swiss Alps, Quebec, Austria, Germany, Sun Valley and Italy, Molly’s impeccable ability to make skiing look so simple was infectious. Her brothers Billy and Kurt, both accomplished skiers, also raised their children to love the slopes. The Reichelt legacy lives strong across the slopes of Spruce Peak and Mt Mansfield and will for generations to come.

But one cannot live by ski slopes alone. Molly needed her beach time as well. She had to have sand between her toes whenever she could get it. No ocean too cold, no sand too hot, no umbrella needed (Bob was under it anyway), just more sunscreen. The ocean loved Molly and she loved the ocean, no matter where she went. She would go anywhere anytime; just give her a few minutes to get packed up….

That will lead us to her and Bob’s send off. Molly will be cremated after her life’s celebration is complete and we as family have decided that it’s time for another trip. Both Molly and Bob will be released off a vintage schooner, into the outgoing tides of the Isle of Shoals near Portsmouth, NH. We, along with friends and family, will launch them for their journey on their anniversary date in June and they will travel the world together with the tides taking them on their long overdue retirement vacation. This 14-16 month journey will allow them to share a bit of themselves with the rest of the world and will provide solace to all they left behind, that no matter what ocean or beach you choose to set up your umbrella, Molly and Bob will be looking out for you.

We believe this sums it up best “My mission in life in not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”. We agree with you Maya Angelou and need only to add one little thing, She was magnificent! Now she rests easy knowing her job here is done and done right!

Funeral services will be held Friday December 16, 2016 at 10:30am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Rutland.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday December 15, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland

In the place of flowers Molly’s family graciously requests you consider making a donation to Dismas House of Vermont in Molly’s memory - www.dismasofvermont.org.