Nan Walker Burke II, most recently of Smithfield, RI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at home with her family by her side. She was 81.
Nan was born on May 10, 1943 to Virginia (Kelly) and Luke A. Burke III in Manhattan, NY and spent the next three years in Barksdale Field, LA because her father was drafted into the Army Air Corps Intelligence Division for Occupation Forces. After graduating from The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, NY, she entered the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood, NY in 1961 and received her degree from Brentwood College. As Sister Luke Marion, she taught English in Wantaugh, NY and then in Islip, NY. In 1970 she was sent to Puerto Rico to teach English at San Jorge Academy in San Juan.
She left the convent in 1971 and married Albert Slaughter on June 15, 1973. After their divorce in 1983, Nan returned to Long Island with her daughter Virginia. Because she became fluent in Spanish while in Puerto Rico, Nan got a job with BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) working with the Hispanic population in 26 school districts throughout the East End of Long Island. After living in several towns on Long Island, Nan bought a house in Southampton and began teaching in East Hampton, where she remained until she retired in 2006, working with the immigrant population.
Nan and her long-time girlfriend D’yan Forest travelled the world together, visiting many countries and skiing at every opportunity. They also enjoyed golfing and travelling together within the United States.
In 2007, after a year spent taking art classes at the Art Students League in New York City, Nan moved to Rhode Island to live with Virginia and her husband Adam. Before she lost her sight, Nan enjoyed exploring Rhode Island and being “Nana daycare” for her grandchildren. Even after her sight began to fail, she cultivated friendships with diverse groups of people through her many activities, including painting, Reiki, spiritual pursuits, and book clubs.
Predeceased by her brother Luke A. Burke IV and her sister Virginia Bruer, Nan is survived by her daughter Virginia Slaughter, son-in-law Adam Biello, and grandchildren Audrey and Victor of Smithfield, RI; her sisters Rita Healy (Bob) of Milton, DE and Rosemary Pellegrino of Ithaca, NY; her sister in law Bernadette Otte of Ottingnies, Belguim; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Many of Nan’s friends and family members were able to visit her to reminisce and say good-bye while she was at home on hospice and Nan is donating her body to The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, so the family will not be holding memorial services at this time. A celebration of life will be held upon the return of her ashes.
Because Nan loved animals, if people want to honor her memory, they can donate to Paws Watch Community Cat Center, dedicated to improving the lives of feral cats.
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