Sheila Ann Burke
July 16, 1939- April 6, 2026
OBITUARY
Sheila was born on July 16, 1939, in Stockton, CA. She passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, CA.
Throughout her life, Sheila was dedicated to teaching young children, spending over 30 years as a kindergarten teacher. “Mrs. Burke” was a title she held near and dear to her heart. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her late husband, “Butch.” They were longtime members of the Stockton Yacht Club, where they spent many weekends together. Sheila enjoyed being surrounded by family, traveling, spending time outdoors, and entertaining. She was a tremendous hostess and brought warmth and joy to every gathering. A good part of Sheila’s summers as a youth were spent at the family cabin in South Lake Tahoe on Lodi Avenue which overlooked Mt. Tallac and the Upper Truckee River. She loved Lake Tahoe and went there often throughout her active life.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherry McCleary of Sparks, NV; her son, Gerry “Tiger” Baldwin of Stockton, CA; her stepson, John Burke of Lodi, CA; her brother, John Kertchem of Newberg, OR and her sister, MaryLou Walsh of Yorkville, CA. She also leaves behind two granddaughters, four grandsons, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry forward her memory. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John “Butch” Burke, and her daughter, Shelly Covello.
Sheila will be laid to rest on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park located off of Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, where she will be buried alongside her beloved husband, John “Butch” Burke.
Sheila lived in Sparks, NV, and will be remembered for her loving spirit and the joy she brought to others. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten!
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burke family.
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