Anna Lan Yong Burke, age 73, passed away suddenly from cancer on August 16, 2023, in Vancouver, BC.
Anna was born on January 29, 1950, in Singapore, to Lam Peow Yew and Chow Ah Loke. From a very young age, Anna had demonstrated that she was smart, bright, and outstanding in her studies amongst her sisters. When focused on her education, she was unstoppable and distracted by nothing. Anna’s loved ones were all so proud of her—she was the only one from the Lam family to obtain a university degree. She graduated from Nanyang University in Singapore, majoring in Chinese Language and Literature, with Honours (BA Hons) in 1972.
Her best friend from elementary school, Rachel, speaks about how cheerful and hardworking Anna always was. She was an outstanding student who was well-liked by teachers and friends. With diligence and keen talent, Anna excelled in her roles in the Education sector. She held high positions in the Singapore Ministry of Education in the Institute of Technical Education. She had an illustrious career at the Vocational and Industrial Board (VITB), overseeing the training and preparation of workers needed to meet the growing demands of the industrialization era, happening in Singapore in the 1980’s.
Anna continued her studies in Canada at the University of British Columbia and graduated with a Master's in Education. She then went on to become the Director/Principal and Senior Vice President of Kingsley Development Corporation.
It was while she was studying at UBC that she met Greg Burke. Anna and Greg were married on August 11, 1990. They spent their retirement years travelling to connect with family and friends around the world. They regularly volunteered for the Union Gospel Mission and Meals on Wheels and were very active in their church.
Anna began volunteering at the Shelter Ministry, helping the homeless in 2017, and she continued to help right up to the moment Covid changed everything. During the pandemic she supplied masks, hand sanitizer, and treats to volunteers at the First Baptist Church on Burrard Street. Beyond impacting the lives of those in need through volunteering, Anna had an amazing impact on everyone around her. She always went out of her way to celebrate special moments in other people’s lives like birthdays, graduations, and wedding anniversaries. She easily made genuine connections with new volunteers and encouraged them in their service to others. Anna is a Special Servant of Jesus.
Anna was selfless and always cared for her family. Whenever she was free, she loved to spend time with her parents. She also treasured time with her sisters. She thought of others rather than herself right up to the end of her life. She did not want to share the news of her illness because she didn’t want to worry her family.
Anna was predeceased by sister Priscilla Mai Wah Lam, Parents Lam Peow Yew, Chow Ah Loke, and Ho Sim Ying. She is survived by Husband Greg Burke; Sisters Rose Lam, Soon Lam, Rosalind Lam, Nancy Lam, Sophia Lam, Ivy Lam, Cynthia Lam; Brothers-in-Law James Ee, Wong Hoe, Yeoh Song Ting, Ng Say Choon, Seah Joseph; Nephews Simon Zhong, Joel Ee, Wong Hudson; Nieces Zhong Yiru, Su Fen Ng, Joanna Shi, and Cynthia Lam Ching, Lam Leng; Daughters Tina Burke, Tara Burke and Tammy Burke; Sons-in-Law Mark Trinkl, Dale Carlin and Darcy Wilson; and Grandchildren Alexa Bossley, Jaden Bossley, Leah Carlin and Nathan Carlin.
Services will be held at 1155 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC, on September 30, 2023 at 1:30 pm PST. Here is the link to view Mrs. Anna Lan Yong Burke's service: https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/ . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BC Cancer. - https://bccancerfoundation.com/AnnaBurke .