Obituary of Cavell Robina Burke

Burke, Cavell Robina (Parsons) – born in 1952, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby girl came bouncing into the world, ready to take it on with a fighting spirit that was hidden beneath a mild demeanour. Cavell Robina Burke was one of five in the Parsons Clan belonging to Robert and Maude Parsons.

While visiting her grandparents in Victoria, Newfoundland one summer, Edward “Ned” Burke saw Cavell and it was love at first sight for him, but she needed some convincing. Ned wooed her with his fast car and giving heart, and in 1973 (after much chasing on his part) they married, and their love was one for the ages. They were not only partners in marriage but partners in life. Wherever Ned was, Cavell was right next to him, helping him along the way and vice versa. Not very often you would see one without the other.

After the birth of their daughter, Kymberly, they moved to Wabush, Labrador where they would set down their roots for the next 50+ years. It was in the Big Land, that they extended their family to include their son, Robert and everything was right in the world as Cavell’s heart was full. While living there, Cavell held many jobs that paid her and had many titles that labelled her, but these are not what she considered her greatest accomplishments or how she viewed success in the world.

Giving of her time to many non-profit organizations such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Lab West Women’s Shelter, Carol United Church, local foodbanks, to name a few, was what she loved to do. She was co-coordinator of the Labrador 400 dogsled race that she took much pride in. With Ned by her side, she was also a volunteer at the grassroots level of Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Race and helped with the organization as well as build it up to the success that it is today. She loved giving back to her community in any way she could. In addition to all of this, Cavell was co-owner of a hunting outfitting business which she was also a guide for. She did all of this while holding reign as co-owner and Queen of Grande Hermine Park Campground located on the Trans Labrador Highway. For 33 summers, Cavell’s beautiful smile greeted everyone who walked through the cabin door, whether she knew them or not. Her table was a table for all, not just some, as she entertained people from all walks of life – local campers, international travellers, bikers, hunters, politicians and many weary wanderers looking for a hot meal and warm place. She was there to help whenever she could.

She was a Phase Ten Sniper and took too much joy in winning but she loved when she did because her opponent had to add to her ever growing pot; she could bake bread, fix a water line break, clean cabins, and stack wood all before breakfast; she could look in her cupboard, and where others would see nothing, she could make a meal fit for a king; and she could give the best hugs ever in the world.

Cavell was a woman ahead of her time when it came to how to be in the world – she treated everyone she met equally the same and taught her children the importance of inclusion before it was socially and politically correct; modelled to them her strong work ethic but stressed the importance of a work -life balance; taught them the importance of manners and that saying “thank you” should be second nature and had no problem reminding them and others to do so; demonstrated to them the importance of outreach and being a good neighbour and friend; instilled within them her morals, values and faith with her wisdom that if you do the right thing, you can never go wrong. THIS is her greatest legacy. Cavell was so proud of the fact that her children and grandchildren have continued to carry all these lessons out into the world and was often heard to say “it costs nothing to be kind”.

She never asked for anything, wasn’t materialistic and was quite content with the basics of life, but Ned disagreed with her and ensured that she always had whatever she needed or wanted and never went without. He gave her nothing but the best of things in life as she deserved it, but the most precious gift was the love he had and still has for her. In 2022, Ned and Cavell left the Big Land and moved to Enfield, Nova Scotia where, for the last few years, she sat as a passenger princess in their hot red convertible Camero while Ned drove the highways and byways of Nova Scotia, taking in the scenery and eating all the fish and chips she wanted. Cavell remained active in volunteering by sitting next to Ned selling tickets for their church; giving to the local charities to help those who needed it more; going to churches which she loved to do as she always had a very strong faith; and being a good neighbor to those in her new community. She was beautiful, not only outside, but inside as her generous and kind heart can attest too. Cavell always beamed with pride whenever she spoke about her family and was their biggest cheerleader even from far away. Her family never had to question her love for them. Cavell’s eyes always had a spark of happiness and joy with a little bit of mischief as she loved a good joke or prank that was all in good fun.

On March 11th, 2025, at the Dartmouth General Hospital in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, that spark of light, life and joy, suddenly but peacefully left this world. Cavell was called home to her eternal family as her spirit was carried to her parents, Robert and Maude Parsons; sister Elva; and brothers, Wayne and Terrance, along with a multitude of family, friends and loved ones who were waiting to embrace her. Leaving to navigate a loss that is too deep for words and hearts that have been broken wide open is her loving family - partner, teammate, companion, and husband, Edward Burke; her fiery redhead (daughter), Rev. Kym Burke; her boy (son), Robert Burke (Stephanie Harasymiw Burke); the lights of her life: granddaughter, Rebekah Cole (Braydon Casey) and grandson, Sheamus John Burke; and her confidante and sister, Judy Smith (Tolson Smith) and many loved ones and friends. We know you still love us all to the moon and back, you are just a little closer to the moon now.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. A celebration of life for Cavell will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Riverview United Church (760 Highway #2) in Elmsdale, NS with Rev. Kim Curlett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the Burke family requests that donations can be made in Cavell’s memory to local food banks, shelters; Riverview United Church, Stairs Memorial United Church or a DEI (Diverse Equity Inclusion) non-profit organization of their choice. Even a little can mean a lot.

Tributes, words of condolences and memories of Cavell can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com