Dorothy C. Burke

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11am Monday at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Canfield for Dorothy C. Burke, 71, who died early Thursday morning. She was born June 8, 1939 in Detroit, MI a daughter of Joseph "Clint" and Flora D. (Pearce) Lauer. She was a 1957 graduate of Fenton High School in Michigan and she achieved a Masters of Education degree from Eastern Michigan University. She worked as a special education teacher for Canfield Middle School for 30 years, retiring in 2004. A member of St. Michael's Church, she was also a member of the Ohio Cultural Association, Applewood Woman's Golf League, and the Saxon Club. She was also President of the Mahoning Valley Retired Teachers Association, she served as a docent at the Butler Institute of American Art and was Past President of the Colony Dance Club. Dorothy was the first female board member of OHSAA, officiated swim meets, helped establish the Canfield High School Swim Team, and was a tutor with the "Power Of The Pen" and "Flying High" programs. In her spare time, Dorothy was an avid golfer and swimmer. She will be sadly missed by her two sons: Christopher Burke of San Diego, CA and Andrew Burke of Columbus; a brother, Mike (Sue) Lauer of Weatherford, TX; a sister, M. Marie Lauer (Grahame Larson) of East Lansing, Mich.; her companion of 18 years, Jack Hamilton of Boardman; four grandchildren: Alexandra, Brittney, Andrew, and Padraich; and five nieces; Heather, Alison, Andrea, Bridget, and Erika. Friends may call from 2-4pm Sunday at the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel. A brief graveside committal service will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday at St. John Catholic Church Cemetery in Fenton, Mich. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Butler Institute of American Art in Dorothy's memory.