Rita L. (Titus) Burke

Rita L. (Titus) Burke, age 99, of Wellsboro, PA, formerly of Swoyersville, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Green Home in Wellsboro. She was happily married to her loving husband, Edward Francis Burke, prior to his passing. Born October 21, 1924, in Swoyersville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Elmer Titus, Sr. and Mary (Trudgeon) Mustapich.

Rita’s greatest strength and passion in life was caring for others, whether it be through her career as Medical Clinic Manager with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or simply fulfilling the needs of her beloved family. She was a lifelong member of the Bennett Presbyterian Church and had a deep devotion to God and His people. Rita’s family was her greatest joy in life, and she taught them all how to love, be happy and enjoy life, just as she did herself right up until the end. Her daughter, Joy, was the light of her life and the two of them were seemingly always telepathically connected. Some of her other hobbies and interests included observing hummingbirds, traveling, and reading, especially murder mysteries.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Joy P. Burke, of Wellsboro; granddaughters, Caitlin Sumler, of Hinton, OK, and Emily Burke (Thomas Root), of Wellsboro; great grandchildren, Abbey, Madison, Zoe and Henry; and many dear friends.

In addition to her late husband, Edward, and her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her brother, Elmer Titus, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Rita’s name to the Bennett Presbyterian Church, 501 Bennett St, Luzerne, PA 18709.

Family and friends are invited to her memorial service on Thursday, June 13, 2024, 12:00 noon, at Bennett Presbyterian Church, 501 Bennett St, Luzerne, PA 18709, with Rev. James Quinn officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family in the Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Luzerne County. Funeral services are entrusted to Wilston-Currie Funeral Home, Mansfield, www.wilstoncurriefh.com.