Frances Burek
(Betty's Mother--included since this is the only reference we have to Betty's passing)
TROY, NY - Frances L. Pelton Burek, 85, of Third Street, died May 22, 2003, at home in the love of her children and Community Hospice, after a long and courageous battle with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Born in Brooklyn, NY, December 10, 1917, she was the sixth of eleven children of predeceased George and Frances Weekes Pelton, and wife of the late John S. Burek, Sr.
Frances moved to Troy in 1941 and resided for most of her life in South Troy. Mrs. Burek worked for the former Richlee Co. in North Troy and Albany from 1956 until her retirement in 1983, as a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Frances had also been employed by Standard Manufacturing Company.
After her retirement, she started another career as part-time cook for the Carmelite priesthood of Saint Joseph's Rectory in South Troy. While raising eight children, she was first active in the PTA at the former St. Joseph's School in Troy, and then President and member of the School 10 PTA.
She also volunteered her services to all of her children's activities, participating in Girl Scout and Boy Scout leadership roles during their childhood.
Fran was a member of the former Captain William Dale O'Brien Marine Corps League Auxiliary and the Troy Women's Bowling Association. She was also a member of several mixed bowling leagues for many years, serving as league secretary. Fran belonged to the South Troy Senior Citizens Club, serving as Secretary at the end of her active participation. Other activities and interests included her weekly card group, bingo, and travel, especially cruises.
She is predeceased by two of her daughters, Elizabeth A. Griffin of Grand Island, NY; and Donna L. Williams Lynch of Tempe, AZ, but will be most missed with her passing to a peaceful rest by her daughters, Margret (Marge) Burek Verville (Troy), and Barbara Burek (Cohoes); and her sons, John S. Burek, Jr. (Summerville, SC); Francis P. (Frank and Tina) Burek, Michael J. Burek (all of Troy), and Thomas E. (Tom and Dawn) Burek (Plainfield, CT).
