Susan M. Burke

Susan Burke BS ’71 sends her salutations to friends of the class of ’71. She loves her music-filled life as a Celtic fiddler, playing for dances and other happy occasions. Burke and her husband, John, who plays bluegrass fiddle, moved from their longtime country home a few years ago after raising their two daughters. Now in Bothell, Washington, they host traditional Irish music sessions and house concerts for touring musicians. Burke continues to love painting and just completed a series on Ireland, which includes some pieces based on photos from the 1968–69 Ireland overseas study program. She “remembers that life-changing trip and cherishes the memories of our adventures there.” Burke has lived in the Seattle area since receiving her MSW from Michigan State University. She has worked in human services, increasing access to health care for indigent families, teaching workshops, and eventually transitioning from management to counseling. After more than 20 years in private practice, she retired to work in music and art. Burke says “life has been full of surprises. If I’d known at L&C that I would be able to play this much music, I would have started practicing.”