Obituary of Claire Isabel Burke, Sydney River

It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of our baby girl, Claire Isabel Burke on October 17, 2024. Claire was born on August 9, 2024, to her loving parents, Katherine and Nick Burke. 

She will be forever remembered and cherished by her big brother, Samuel and big sister, Elyse, fur sister, Molly, who always watched over our baby girl, along with her loving grandparents, Allan and Kellie MacQueen, and Joe and Sandra Burke. 

She is also survived by aunts, Jenna (Mitchel) and Kristen (Shawn), along with cousins Scott and Zach; great-grandparents, Ann and Sandy Beaton, and Joan MacQueen. She also leaves behind so many loving great-aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Claire was predeceased by uncle Cody, great-grandparents, Irma and Joe Burke, Margaret and Eddie Moran, Art Taylor, and Scottie MacQueen; great aunt, Margie MacSween, and great uncles, Alex and Daniel Moran, Gary Mueller, and Jay Kearney. 

Claire loved warm blankets, her soother, massages on her head and feet, stroller walks, NICU sugar water, being with her big brother and sister, and was most comfortable in the soft and warm embrace of her mommy. 

While her time on earth was short, Claire showed us so much of her beautiful personality, her ability to fight and her feistiness that we will miss beyond words. If love could've saved you, you would have lived forever. We take much comfort knowing she’s now in the arms of so many loving family members until we meet again. 

We would like to thank Dr. Moodley for safely delivering our baby girl, Dr. Heidi Budden and the staff of Peds, Dr. Carol Critchley, the NICU staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and IWK, and Melissa MacDonald. You were truly Claire’s angels on earth and went above and beyond to make Claire feel very loved. You gave us strength during our darkest days. 

Finally, we extend our gratitude to Basil for his compassion and care for our sweet baby girl.

Claire Bear, we will love you and remember you for eternity.

A private funeral service will be held in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, New Waterford, with Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. 

Donations in her memory may be made to Caleb's Courage, the Pediatric Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney or the NICU. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

  "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

  - Winnie the Pooh