Penny Burke

Surrounded by love, Penny Sue Burke, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away quietly on February 16, 2023, after a chronic progressive physical condition.

Penny was born in Asmara, Eritrea, on August 16, 1952, the proud daughter of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. Following early childhood, the family relocated to Washington, D.C. where her father served in the Pentagon until retirement, at which time they moved to Boynton Beach, Florida.
After graduating from high school in 1970, Penny's main interests included applying her talents to creating different forms of art, from painting to glass, together with a growing fascination for geology.
While cultivating these interests well into her 20's, Penny worked in the restaurant business where she took advantage of opportunities in Gainesville, Louisville, and eventually San Francisco.

It was in San Francisco at the age of 29 that Penny met the love of one's life, Tim, and they married in 1981. This change led to a period of experimentation which included selling graphic arts supplies, marketing elegant picture frame mouldings, and later, entering the Not-for-Profit health services field. But Penny's enduring interest to work with glass art eventually led to opening Penelope Burke Designs, specializing in glass fusion, where she became a respected glass artist.

Penny and Tim had no children, but took pride in their golden retrievers, Dave, Sam and Tuco, bridging their time together. Penny was a music devotee, admiring a diverse range of musicians, but with a special love for Leonard Cohen. At the height of her musical journey, Penny often boasted about her music cruise experiences spanning a decade, events which brought her great pleasure.

Penny is survived by her soul mate of 42 years, Tim, her sister and brother in-law Geri and Bob Sidell, nephews Matthew and Scotty, all currently residing in Lake Worth, FL., along with extended family and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fordyce & Era Manning, niece Suzanne and nephew Scott.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled the Summer of 2023 to share and enjoy the wonderful memories Penny left with so many. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Denver Dumb Friends League of which Penny was a passionate supporter.