In Memory of Lorraine A. Burke

Obituary

Lorraine A. Burke, 55, of New Hartford, NY, and formerly of Cazenovia, NY, and East Hartford, CT, passed away on July 1, 2026, at home, surrounded by family, after an 18-year hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer.

Lori was born on December 4, 1970, in East Hartford, CT, to Vincent and Christine Castagna. Raised in the Catholic faith, she graduated from East Catholic High School before going on to earn her degree from the University of Connecticut and later her Master's degree from The American College.

On July 3, 2021, she married the love of her life, Jim Burke, at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY. Knowing how much Jim loved castles, and cherishing the many happy times they shared on Seneca Lake, it was the perfect place to begin this new chapter together.

Before her retirement, Lori built a distinguished career in banking, serving as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager at KeyBank Private in Syracuse.

An avid and passionate golfer, Lori was a former member of Cazenovia Country Club and Yahnundasis Golf Club, and most recently found her golfing home at Cedar Lake Golf Club.

Lori spent many treasured years in Cazenovia raising her three children and building lifelong friendships in a community she loved dearly. She later moved to New Hartford, where she embraced a new life with her husband Jim and welcomed his two children into her heart as her own.

For all of us blessed to call Lori a friend, you know Lori never missed an opportunity to extend the love she carried within her. She had a natural way of knowing how to make you feel heard and appreciated. Her ever-present mindset always found its way to you. Whether through an intimate handwritten message or a personal visit, Lori would let you know she was there to support you through joy and sadness.

Hold Lori’s spirit within you, carry her flame and pass on her generosity of self every time you think of her

Lori is survived by her husband, Jim Burke; her daughter, Hope McGee; her son, Jack McGee; her daughter, Emily McGee; her stepdaughter, Emma Burke; her stepson, Jack Burke; and her beloved companion, Luna. She is also survived by her parents, Vincent and Christine Castagna; her brother, Tommy Castagna; her sister, Karen Schofield; and brother-in-law, Ken Schofield; along with nieces and nephews she cherished deeply: Jamie, Joe, Brett, Mara, Jason, and Connor.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Castagna and Stephen Castagna; her sister, Linette Castagna Angelo; and her best friend, Alfina Milluzzo.

Lori also wanted to express her heartfelt gratitude for the friendship, generosity, love, and compassion shown by her Aunt Kay and cousin Michele.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 17th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, with a Mass immediately following at St. John the Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

A graveside service will be held at noon on July 18, 2026, at the cemetery located on McCutcheon Ln, Saranac, NY 12981.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice & Palliative Care, and especially to her special nurse, Alyssa, for their compassionate care. Special thanks also to her dear friend Tori Battin for her unwavering love and support over the past couple of years — the two of them used to joke that their adventures together made them a real-life Thelma and Louise. A special thank you as well to her friends Darlene, Sharon, and Tracie.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.