Susan Mary Reese Burke

Susan Mary Reese Burke, South Abington Township, died Saturday morning at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of Ted and Dorothy Vitale Reese. She was a graduate of Abington Heights High School. Prior to her illness, she was a Paralegal for The Casey Law Firm and other various law firms throughout her career before becoming a personal trainer at Body Blueprint in South Abington Township. She was involved in many community organizations including the Abington Heights Civic League and Habitat for Humanity.

Surviving are son Jamie Ksiazek and wife Michelle, Havertown; two daughters, Katherine Fangs of Clarks Summit, and Abbey Burke of Scranton; two grandchildren, Evelyn and Thomas Ksiazek; two brothers, TedJay Reese, Florida, and Scott Reese, South Carolina; four sisters, Linda Arcurie of Mt. Cobb, Judy Giacometti of Old Forge, Cathy Merenich of Colorado, and Teri McAndrew of Newton; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Barry Reese.

Susan loved her children and grandchildren more than anything in the world. They were the center of her universe. Susan enjoyed spending time outside with her family, baking with her grandchildren, and cuddling with Evelyn and Thomas during their "movie nights". Susan taught her children not to take life too seriously and not to forget to laugh at yourself once in a while. She encouraged her children to live life "one day at a time", to focus on the present, and be the best person you could be. She lived these principles on a daily basis and encouraged all she met to be their best self.

Susan was the cornerstone of her large family. She passionately loved her mother, father, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.  Susan had a unique sense of humor and enjoyed playing pranks on her friends and family. Susan loved hosting holiday gatherings and ensuring the family was together under one roof enjoying each other's company. During these holiday gatherings Susan would create games for the family to play. Her favorite was the Christmas "Trivia grab-bag" which always brought many laughs, smiles, and occasional tears from Aunt Judy.  Susan was her parents' special angel, toughest fighter, and their Pollyanna.

Susan was an avid runner. She completed hundreds of races including a triathlon, half marathons, full marathons, and an ultramarathon where she ran 76.5 miles over a 24-hour period. She devoted her life to motivating and inspiring others to achieve their full potential. As a running coach for The Scranton Running Company's Barrier Breakers, she was able to fulfill this devotion where she coached and helped mentor hundreds of runners.

Susan was surrounded by her family and was at peace. Her faith in God was strong and we know she is in the halls of Heaven. Susan wanted to sincerely thank all of her friends and family for the support our family has received. Her family wanted to thank Allied Services Hospice, who provided amazing care for her these past six weeks.

Anyone that met Susan was touched by her selflessness, her kindness, her generosity, her smile, her sense of humor, and her infectious laugh. She brightened any room she walked into and she was able to make a complete stranger feel like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to "The Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer" through the Scranton Area Foundation. This foundation will support local individuals who are battling colon cancer and their families by providing financial assistance. Susan devoted her life to helping others and this Foundation will ensure that her legacy of selflessness will continue for years to come.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 20th, at 2 p.m. at LCBC Church, 607 N. Abington Rd, Clarks Summit.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.