Wilma Jean "Beana" Burke

On September 2, 2013 Wilma Jean "Beana" Burke passed away at her home in Pablo. Beana died on the day of her older sister Glenda's funeral. Some say she died from a broken heart as her big sister was everything to her…hero, mentor and protector. It was usual for Beana to follow Glenda's lead. We affectionately called them the Baldwin Sisters. Even though we are so sad to see Beana go, we are comforted to know that our two sisters are together again.
Beana was born on June 6, 1962 in Hot Springs to Dennis Burke and Louise Caye. She was the youngest sister born into a large family. Maybe that is why taking care of people was Beana's calling. She was most happy when she was helping family or friends in need. These were the times she felt pride in herself and when she seemed the most confident in herself.
At one time Beana was employed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as a caregiver, then as a cook for the Elmo Senior Citizens. Like her sister Glenda she moved to Akutan, Alaska where she found work as a cook at a local café. She loved her time on the Aleutian Islands where she made life-time friends. She returned home to the Flathead Reservation, but Alaska called her again and she was happy to explore Juneau where she was employed as a processor at a fish cannery.
On June 7, 1981 Beana gave birth to a daughter who she gave to the child's paternal aunt and husband to adopt. Beana simply wanted the best for her baby and she was confident that Leslie Kallowat and Orsino Walker would provide for the baby's every need. She was able to enjoy a lasting relationship with her daughter and then with her two grandchildren. She was so proud of them all.
Beana was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William, and her sister Glenda. She is survived by her daughter, Shavonne Walker and grandchildren Ana Michel and Uriah Michel, Jr. of Elmo; brothers Clifford (Shannon) of Ronan; Francis (Bonnie) of Pablo; Mike (Geraldine) of Polson; Marlin (Tracy) of Big Arm; Tyrone (Gail) of Ronan; Reuben (Nyia) of Dayton; and Leonard "Whiskey Joe" of Omak, Wa; sisters Clarissa of Elmo; Clarinda of Big Arm; and Marcella of Polson; uncle William "Butch" Burke of Nespelem, Wa; aunties Carol and Cookie of Omak, WA; Lucy Caye of Elmo; and Aggie Caye of Polson, as well as several cousins from Montana and Washington.
Rosary was recited Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Elmo Community Center. Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2013 in Elmo. Burial followed at the Dayton Cemetery.
Read Wilma "Beana" Burke's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.