Connie Burke Ferriera passed away at home after a long illness on January 26, shortly after her 74th birthday. Connie was born and raised in Turlock and always had a special spot in her heart for her hometown. She and her husband Bill moved back to Turlock 26 years ago after living almost 30 years in Modesto after they were married. While living in Modesto, Connie was able to fulfil her dream of operating a day care in her home, where she enjoyed spreading love upon all of the young children.

In recent years, Connie has been very active in various Turlock organizations, including the Turlock Garden Club, PEO, and her true love, the Turlock Historical Society. She enjoyed all of her organizations and developed deep and lasting friendships in each.

Connie and Bill were married for 46 years and they had a special, loving relationship. During their marriage they were able to travel extensively, first on many trips to Kauai, Hawaii, then several trips throughout Europe. It was while in Europe visiting Belgium that Connie and Bill met their very special close Belgian friends John and Vera and became part of the Franck family. John and Vera’s children and grandchildren called Connie and Bill their American grandparents.

Connie was a real artist. She painted numerous oil paintings and gave several away to family and friends. Although her talent was excellent, she did not want to show her paintings; she always said that she painted for joy. She was also an expert seamstress, making curtains for her home and others. One of her real joys in life was to spend time at her Dove Cottage in Dorrington. She was able to spend over 26 years enjoying her mountain cottage.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Peter Burke, and her mother, Henrietta (Sunny) Gustafson Burke. In addition to being survived by her husband Bill, she leaves brothers Jerry Burke (Germaine) of Lodi and Randy Burke (Janelle) of Oakdale. She leaves nieces Maci and Brienna and nephew Garrett. Connie also leaves many cousins and close family. She will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Turlock Historical Society, PO Box 18, Turlock, CA 95381, Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to give particular thanks to Community Hospice for the wonderful care and support that they were able to give Connie at the end of her life. They will forever be grateful.