Sandra Leigh Burke

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Sandra Leigh Burke, affectionately known as Sandy, on March 20, 2024, at the age of 58.  Born on March 31, 1965, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Sandy's vibrant life and her kind and compassionate nature touched the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Growing up in Wisconsin and Illinois, Sandy’s exuberance for life was contagious.  She excelled at everything she dove into and shared her talents with the patience of a Saint.  She was always the first to lend a helping hand and delivered it with grace.  Sandy’s adventurous spirit led her to embark on a transformative journey as a foreign exchange student in Iceland during her senior year before graduating from Rochelle High School.  A dedicated student, she became a CPA after earning her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University.  Sandy then embarked on a successful career that spanned 26 years at McDonald’s Corporation where she showcased her dedication and skill as an accountant, then an auditor (including international audits) and then on to training (including international training).  Since 2017, Sandy found great enjoyment and fulfillment as a Corporate Operations Improvement Specialist at Owens & Minor in Carol Stream.

Devoted to her faith, Sandy was a longtime, active parishioner at First United Methodist Church of Lombard, where her warm spirit and eagerness to connect with others shone brightly.

Having partially raised all her nieces and nephews, Sandy was absolutely adored by them.  She was lovingly referred to as a “bit of an indulgent aunt” for her antics, playful nature and boundless love for her family.  Her nieces and nephews were not the only ones endeared by her.  She became a cherished figure in the lives of the children she babysat during her high school years earning her the title of “the BEST BABYSITTER EVER” with literal cheers of joy when they learned Sandy would be coming.  Her infectious enthusiasm, genuine interest in others, and boundless positive energy made her a beacon of light in the lives of those around her.

A fearless spirit, Sandy was known for her adventurous nature, always the first to take on new challenges, whether it was jumping off cliffs into water or skiing down black diamond slopes.  She delighted in the great outdoors and particularly enjoyed hiking and traveling.  She never stopped moving, often running from room to room and continued to walk several miles daily.

Sandy's love for animals was evident with her many furry and scaly companions over the years, including taking loving care of Jasper’s turtle, Speedy and the biggest love of her life, her late dog, Pepper.  Her capacity for love knew no bounds and she embraced life with zest, spreading joy wherever she went.

Sandy was the loving daughter of William B. and Peggy Ann Burke, nee Goldman; cherished sister of Michael Kerry (Jana) Burke, Wendy Suzanne Burke, Daniel William (Dana) Burke and Patricia “Patti” Michelle Burke (the late Gary Fryrear); devoted aunt of Jessica (Nathan) Camp, Casey and Brian Burke, Dakota, Makalah and Jasper Fryrear and Taylor and Dylan Burke; proud great aunt of Graham and Elsie Anne Camp; dearest niece of Penny (Michael) Schmitz, Kenneth Goldman, Alice Bushman and the late Patricia (the late Philip) Mitchell; and a caring friend and cousin of many.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S Main St, Lombard, IL.  Friends and family will meet on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St., Lombard.  This event was livestreamed.  Click here for the livestream link.   A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.

 Please omit flowers.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in Sandy’s memory to the  National Wildlife Federation  , PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583 or  American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)  , 424 E. 92nd S, New York, NY 10128-6804 would be appreciated.

In honoring her legacy, we remember Sandy as a shining light who touched countless lives with her pure kind soul, positivity and unwavering spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.