Obituary of Jolene Stroad Burke

Jolene Stroad Burke, 72, passed away in her sleep in her Colorado Springs home on July 18, 2020. She was born June 19, 1948 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas to Dorothy and Oliver "Bill" Stroad and was raised in Rosenberg, Texas by her mother and beloved stepfather, Goree Martin. She attended Lamar Consolidated High School where she was a dedicated twirler, drummer, and drum majorette. She graduated in 1966.Jo met Wayne soon after graduation at 2-M's Malt �n' Burger Mart in Rosenberg. When she kissed a mutual friend, Bob Smith, goodbye in the parking lot, Wayne asked if she had one of those for him. She laid a wet one on him and the rest is history. He soon proposed in that same parking lot and they were married on September 30, 1967 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.Jolene converted to Catholicism and was active in several parishes throughout her life, including St. Theresa's in Sugar Land, Texas. She taught Catholic continuing education for many years in both Texas and Colorado.Throughout her life, Jolene worked as an administrative professional, paint contractor, and homemaker/stay-at-home parent. She volunteered with many church and community groups in Texas and Colorado.Jolene was an avid reader and enjoyed going to movies and concerts. She bought her first Ford Mustang at 18 and remained an enthusiast throughout her life. She was a gifted gardener, loved planting flowers, and was known for her beautiful roses. She enjoyed dining at local restaurants, jumping in the car for road trips, playing air drums, and cheering at her grandson's baseball games.Jolene became a mother for the first time in October 1970 and again in June 1978. The care of her family was a major passion in her life and she always kept everyone well-fed and well-loved. She took great pride in being "grandma" to Gavin and his big sister, America. Jolene was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Porter Placette; her brother, Michael Stroad; and her nephew, Chad Krantz. Jolene is survived by her husband of nearly fifty-three years, Wayne Burke; her daughters, Leacia Brilliant and partner, Chuck Zimmerman, and Jana Burke and partner, Joe Spurlock; her grandson, Gavin Copeland; her sisters, Norma Peters and Jeree Placette; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends. A Private Memorial Service will be held 2:00PM, Friday, July 31, 2020. The service will be streamed live. The link to watch the Memorial Service is located on Jolene's Tribute Wall on the Springs Funeral Services' website.Memorial contributions in Jo's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to the charity of the donor's choice. Events Memorial Service Friday, July 31, 2020 2:00PM Private Service - Live Stream Available Webcast Colorado Springs, CO 80909