Susanne Mary Burke-Zike

Susanne Burke-Zike went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 26, 2025, at the age of 88, in San Diego, CA.

Susanne was born on February 7, 1937, in Wenatchee, WA, to Ray Lund and Virginia Leedy, and spent her childhood on an orchard in Wenatchee, growing up with her two sisters.

She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism. After briefly teaching high school English, she discovered her talent for entrepreneurship, building a career in sales and textile design. Her adventurous spirit and adaptability shaped a life lived across Washington, Virginia, Missouri, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and California. She was beautiful and had an eye for wonderful homes and enjoyed decorating them with her own distinctive, artistic style.

No matter where she called home, Susanne delighted in hosting others. She was always ready with snacks, chocolates, and an open door. She remained deeply invested in the people she loved—curious about their interests, generous with encouragement, and eager to celebrate their achievements.

Susanne was an avid reader of The New York Times and loved sharing articles that sparked conversation. She embraced new experiences, even learning to ski in her 30s, and enjoyed beauty in its many forms–music, animals, nature, donuts.

Susanne was married twice, first to Robert Burke and later to Claude Zike, our beloved fathers and grandfathers, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a devoted and caring mother to four children by birth and five children through marriage. She is survived by her sister, Eleanore Chamberlain; her children Benjamin, Peter, and Kirsten; her Zike children Gregory, Claudia, Scott, Cynthia, and Peter; and 42 cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Carol Satterberg, infant son Andrew Burke, and grandson Bjorn Burke.

A celebration of life will be held on her birthday–Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Covenant Living at Mount Miguel in Spring Valley, CA.

Memorial donations can be made to Bjorn This Way (bjornthisway.org).