Funeral for Cllr Sue Burke

The funeral service for Cllr Sue Burke will be held at 11am today (Thursday) at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church, Lincoln.

Tributes from people across the city have been paid to Sue since she died surrounded by her family on January 2 aged 67.

She leaves husband, Chris (pictured below), children Sean and Hayley and grandchildren Ewan and Cassie. 

Fellow former Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Rosie Kirk (pictured with Sue) said: “Cllr Sue Burke was a lovely soul. Kind and thoughtful and dedicated to whatever she did. We both became City of Lincoln councillors in 20212 and we travelled the councillor experience together. It was a privilege to know Sue and I will miss her.”

Cllr Burke was described as a dedicated beacon of compassion who was a strong advocate for the city and its residents and who made it her goal to help the most isolated and vulnerable in local communities. 

Her public service began when she was elected to the city council in May 2012 for Minster Ward for four years until May 2016. She was then elected to represent her home ward of Park from May 2016 to the present. 

She served in numerous civic roles, including Deputy Mayoress, Mayoress and Deputy Mayor, before becoming Lincoln’s 813th Mayor.  

Cllr Burke served two terms as Mayor from 2019 to 2021, the first person to do so since the First World War, due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Our thoughts go out to Sue’s husband Chris and her family during this difficult time. 

“Sue was a huge asset to the Labour group. Her belief in social justice made her the perfect choice for her role as Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality. 

“She was much-loved by all, and her dedication and compassion will be missed by the party, the community, and everyone who knew her. 

“Taken far too soon, Sue leaves a massive hole in our party and in our hearts.” 

Cllr Burke’s tenure was marked by her dedication to charitable causes, particularly her chosen charity, LEAP, which supports homeless young people.  

As Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality, Cllr Sue Burke championed mental health and the voluntary sector, ensuring vital services were supported. 

She was joined in her journey by her husband and fellow councillor Chris Burke who thanked people for their prayers, tributes and support: “Words cannot describe how we all feel but I am certain she is up above and had gone to her reward. She has been a wonderful partner in all of our adventures, a brilliant elected representative and much loved mother and grandmother. Bless you Sue, my love.”

The live stream for Sue's funeral is http://www.sspp-church.org.uk/webcam/ and the family request is that donations in Sue’s memory be made to Lincoln Foodbank.