Elizabeth Mary Burke Szeghy, 76, of Exeter, passed to Eternal Life on Sunday, December 27, 2020, while in the care of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart and surrounded by her beloved family.
Born and raised in West Pittston, she was the daughter of the late Atty. Thomas F. Burke Sr. and Marita K. Delaney Burke. She attended West Pittston grade school and then high school at Sacred Heart Academy, formerly known as Convent of the Sacred Heart, Philadelphia. She thereafter graduated from Rosemont College and began a career first in elementary education and thereafter in business working in administration for IBM. There she met her husband John S. “Jack” Szeghy in 1968, an encounter that would leave them virtually inseparable until the moment of her passing.
After marrying Jack in 1970, Beth focused her attention on homemaking and motherhood as she and Jack raised their son John T. Szeghy, the first grandchild born to his generation in the Szeghy and Burke families. Beth was tireless in assuring that both son John and husband Jack were faith-filled, charming, dapper and well-prepared for the challenges of the day. She did much the same for her many nieces and nephews, also bringing her considerable teaching skills to bear, especially in the subjects of Mathematics and Latin. Forever the enthusiast at shaping and inspiring young learners, Beth continued tutoring in Mathematics and other subject areas until very recently. Without exception, her students and their parents raved about Beth’s devotion, skill and warmth.
During the past sixteen years, the light of Beth’s life has been the love of her three grandchildren, Jack, Rose and Grace Szeghy born to Beth and Jack’s son John and his wife Tracy. News of their many talents, interests and accomplishments filled Beth and Jack with pride and joy and were the subject of their every conversation. She enjoyed every visit with them and their folks at their Southington, Connecticut home, and especially relished trips to the beach in Avalon, NJ and Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida.
Like her parents whom she revered, the cornerstone of Beth’s way of proceeding was her faith. As members of their parish community of St. Ignatius in Yardley, Pa. for many years and more recently at the Corpus Christi Parish West Pittston, Beth and Jack served as Eucharistic Ministers and participated in countless other church ministries. Beth regarded the opportunity to bring Eucharist and good cheer to anyone homebound especially important and grace-filled.
Beth and Jack celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 17, 2020. In addition to Jack, John and Tracy, Jack, Rose and Grace, Beth is survived by five brothers and sisters, Hon. Thomas F. Burke, Jr. and wife Peggy, West Pittston, Patricia Forr and her husband R. Thomas, Altoona, Kathryn B. Corgan and her husband Michael A., Kingston, Margaret M. Burke, West Pittston, and Atty. Joseph D. Burke and his wife Atty. Kathleen, West Pittston; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no calling hours and only immediate family will attend a Mass of Christian Burial and interment. A Celebration of Life Mass will be scheduled at a future date for extended family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the United Way of Wyoming Valley to benefit its Education support for at-risk youth.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.
It was an honor to serve with Beth. Also Beth and Jack used to help out with lent on Fridays for the readings of the Cross. Beth was also so kind and had very strong faith in GOD. I will miss talking to Beth. The Szeghy family are in our prayers. RIP Beth we love you and miss you.
Beth was so happy to get the best picture of Ireland from my store. She was one of the nicest people I ever met. To Jack and the entire Burke Family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Diane Dennis
Dear Joe and Kathleen,
We were sorry to read about your loss. Please pass our condolences on to Kate and Michael and the rest of your family.
Patsy and Michael Meehan
So sorry to read about the passing of Beth. I always think of her with that beautiful smile she always had whenever I would see her. I’m sure she will be very missed by her beautiful family - and by her siblings as well. She had such a sweet way about her. My condolences to her Szeghy family and the Burke family.
Joe and the entire Burke family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I have heard many stories throughout the years regarding your beloved family. I pray you feel Gods presence through this very sad time.
You will be in my prayers in the days and weeks to come.
Jennie White
West Pittston