Irene I. Zacharek

(nee Butchko) Passed suddenly on September 14, 2018, age 85, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of Haddon Township, NJ.

Beloved wife of the late Frederick Zacharek and Richard E. Burke. Loving mother of Kathleen Simpkins (John) of Haddon Township, Kenneth Burke (Karin) of Collingwood, Melanie Buckholz (Donald) of Sicklerville, Justine Stevens (Francis) of Haddon Township, Brendan Burke (Jennifer) of Coconut Creek, FL. Dear sister of Andrea Borden, Colette Shapley and the late Dolores Welden. Proud Nana of John Jr., Nicole, Justin, Michael, Kathryn, Daniel, Sean, Colleen, Ryann, Savanna, Amy, Julie, Theodore, Andrew & Bryan. Great Grandmother of 17 and counting.

Born at home on Division Street, Camden, NJ, Irene attended St. Joan of Arc Elementary School and Camden Catholic High School, Class of 1949. An independent woman of the 1950’s employed at RCA, NY SHIP and the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Married in 1955 to Richard E. Burke, mother of 5 children. Years later a new career in Human Resources at Siemens, Cherry Hill, NJ and Boca Raton, FL. Irene relocated to Coral Springs, FL with future plans of a warm and sunny retirement.

From the beginning, a bright, giving, social and hard-working young lady with strong family, Christian and community values created a life admired by friends, family and all who met her. In retirement she married Frederick Zacharek, relocated to Vero Beach, FL while finding new friendships and activities along the way. She enjoyed travel near and far, an excellent bridge player, a faithful member of the Community Church in Vero Beach, theater & shows, ELK’s Lodge, Dodgers Spring Training and forever a Phillies fan.

A good friend to many from NJ to Florida, who she touched in some way in her many years with us. Her love of family, friends, grandchildren, great grandchildren, holidays, vacations, a good laugh and her smile will always be remembered.

Relatives and friends will be invited to attend her memorial service, Sunday, December 23rd, 1 PM at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 204 Wayne Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.

Arrangements by Jackson Funeral Home, Haddon Township, NJ www.jacksonfh.net