Sheila Rae Burke

June 23, 1968 - November 5, 2015

Sheila Rae Burke was born in Anchorage, Alaska on June 23, 1968. Her birth family did not have the capacities to nurture her well. She was adopted by Dick and Patti Burke of Milwaukie Oregon in the summer of 1971. Her welcoming family included a baby brother. Her infectious smile, happy laugh, strong independence, impulsive nature and her tough girl attitude were immediately evident. Dick and Patti divorced in 1973. In subsequent years Patti married Richard Falaschetti and Linda became Mrs. Burke. Sheila began her school years at Oak Grove School. Her fourth through eighth grade years were at the North Powder School in Northeast Oregon. Her Burke family had moved there seeking a more rural setting. Sheila attended three different high schools: in Portland when she lived with her Falaschetti family, Thurston High School when she lived with her uncle and aunt, and LaGrande High School while she lived at the Crisis Action Center. Somewhere in her adult life she did complete her GED and took classes at Chemeketa Community College. Sheila lived her hard young adult years distant from her families. A bright spot in that time began when her younger brother from her birth family found her. He, too, had been adopted and wanted to trace his genetic roots. She was able to meet her birth father and mother and spend some time with each. The connections were made. No ongoing relationship was forged. The option to live at Simonka Place was suggested in 2004. Rather reluctantly she accepted that situation. After a few months she began to open up to the realization of God’s love and provision for her. She chose to enter the recovery program. Sheila was able to receive the life skills coaching, counsel and love the staff was available to pour into her life. She began to make healthier choices. This was the beginning of her involvement with Court Street Christian Church. She found her niche and joy in the Awed Group. A loving couple from the church mentored her. Because transportation was an issue she was not able to attend Court Street Christian as frequently as she desired. Court Street Christian remained in her heart as “my church.” After completing the recovery program Sheila was accepted as an intern and continued on at Simonka Place for another year. Her graduation was part of the fall celebration of the Union Gospel Mission in 2006. A fragile bridge of reconnection to her Burke family was developing around the time of her Simonka graduation. She lived for the past few years with a “family” of friends who will miss her greatly. Sheila is remembered as a wonderful friend, funny, loyal and "there for them". Sheila loved Jesus and looked forward to living eternally with the One who loved her best. Sheila died peacefully on November 5, 2015. Her dad and her dear friend Shel were with her there in the Corvallis hospital. Cause of death? Her weary body just gave out. Sheila is survived by: Patti and Richard Falaschetti and family Dick and Linda Burke and family