Noretta M. Burke, age 77, of Millsboro, DE, formerly of Lancaster County, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on October 22, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA, Noretta was the beloved daughter of the late William and Noretta (Kreutzberger) Beuhner. She dedicated her life to education, earning a Master's Degree in Special Education from Penn State University. Noretta devoted her career to teaching in the Conemaugh Valley School District in Western Pennsylvania, where she touched the lives of countless students before retiring in 1994 to care for her cherished adopted son, Allen.

A woman of deep faith, Noretta was an active member of Swamp Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reinholds, PA, and after relocating to Delaware in 2014, she found a new spiritual home at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she shared that light with everyone around her.

Noretta had a passion for gardening, finding joy in planting vibrant flowers that reflected her nurturing spirit. She loved boating and cherished family vacations, creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Her involvement with the Special Olympics alongside her son was a testament to her unwavering support and love for Allen, showcasing her commitment to advocacy and inclusion.

Noretta's legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.  She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Frederick A. Burke; her son, Allen F. Burke of Millsboro, DE; her sister, Linda Schuler and her husband, Paul of Middletown, DE; her brother-in-law, John Burke and his wife, Lisa of Lancaster, PA; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, located at 20276 Bay Vista Rd., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, followed by a funeral service at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Henlopen Memorial Park in Milton, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Noretta's name to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org .