Frances Katen Burke of Beacon Hill on August 23, 2016. Professor Emerita of Public Administration and Ethics at Suffolk University. Mother of Louise Locke and her husband Scott Craig of Seattle, WA and Sarah Anne Quinlan and her husband Keith McManus of West Palm Beach, FL. Grandmother of Katen Anne Manion of NY. Sister of Frank Katen Jr and his wife Rose of MD and the late Ruby Goldsand. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 19th at 3pm in King's Chapel, 58 Tremont St, Boston. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Frances' memory to Hillary Clinton's campaign: Hillary Victory Fund, P.O. Box 1366, Merrifield, VA 22116-9559 or to another female progressive candidate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 11, 2016
Jim Collins
I was honored to have known and worked with Fran, as one of her volunteers. She mastered the art of persuasion. Whether neighborhood, academic or government politics, she was a dogged advocate for her beliefs and held herself and others accountable. You knew exactly where she stood on the issues that mattered. She persuaded me to work with her on celebrating the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. That experience gave me the opportunity to learn not only about Ms. Roosevelt, but Fran. Like Eleanor, Fran did things her way.
October 11, 2016
Jim Collins
September 22, 2016
Susan Bertram
She was my mentor and advisor while I was studying at Suffolk University for a Master of Public Administration degree. I respected and looked up to her as a role model of what women can achieve.
September 20, 2016
Hilary Bacon Gabrieli
Frances was a force in the Massachusetts political community and an inspiration to all women. She will be missed.
September 19, 2016
Rhys Gardiner
During the years Fran was involved with the Chinatown community through her service on the Advisory Board at BCNC, she brought her keen instincts and experience to the work. She had a directness and careful observation which combined refreshingly. I enjoyed our talks and would have liked more! My deepest condolences to her family, and to the broad community which feels her loss.
September 10, 2016
Arline Isaacson
I had the pleasure of meeting Fran 30 years ago when we worked together on legislative issues. She was a committed coalition partner with a keen sense for social justice and smart strategic politics. In the years since, I never ran into her on the hill without her immediately diving into the details of some electoral race for someone, somewhere. Her vibrancy was endearing. She always made me laugh. May her memory be a blessing to her family. It is to all those who worked with her.
September 8, 2016
James Ryan
I knew Fran from the Ward 5 Democratic Committee and it was always a pleasure to talk with and, occasionally, spar with her. One of the most intelligent and determined people I have ever met. I loved her voice and will miss hearing it again very much.
September 7, 2016
Jan Paulsen
I knew her as a neighbor and as an advocate for women in political office. I am sorry to hear of her passing.
September 6, 2016
Sarah Wenig
Fran was always bound, determined and hailing a cab . .
September 6, 2016
Anita Horn
I'm so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. I met her 8 years ago when I joined her meetup group to campaign for Hillary - the first time. I really enjoyed my time with her, especially when we went to NH for a couple of days to campaign. She had an amazing amount of energy and was such a lovely person. I've thought of her many times during this year's campaign and will miss her.
September 5, 2016
Greg Casey
I was so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. Over forty years ago she became my teacher, my mentor(though not politically) and my friend. We had lively differances but that's what made knowing her fun. So, with that in mind, in order to keep her spirit among us for many years, I will be voting for Donald Trump. So Fran, when your done haunting me, you can keep watch over your family and friends.
I'll miss you. Rest in peace.
September 2, 2016
Fran was a mentor and an excellent professor of mine in the MPA Program. She was a strong advocate for women and the underserved. May she rest in peace. Maureen V. Feeney, MPA
September 1, 2016
Brenda Bond
On behalf of the Suffolk University MPA Program we offer our sincere condolences. Fran was a relentless supporter of the program and our students. She touched countless lives and I know she will be missed.
August 31, 2016
Sarah Gamble Epstein
It was devastating to learn of Fran's death. We have been friends since we were junior counselors at Green Mountain Camp in Dummerston, Vermont, in the mid-1940s. My mother absorbed her into our family, and she and I have shared lives ever since. I have always appreciated her interest in politics and efforts to help women enter the political field. Many memories.
August 30, 2016
Elena Kingsland
Fran was a special person, an admirable combination of idealism and hard work that contributed to the education and inspiration of many to work for social justice, women's rights, and cooperation among nations. Elena Kingsland
August 29, 2016
Jackson Hall
I am so sad to hear of Fran's passing. I know how much she wanted to see a woman elected president. I met Fran working on my very first political campaign in 1983. She was a mentor and a friend.
Jack Hall
August 29, 2016
Gail Jackson-Blount
Fran was an inspiration to so many people, especially women from all walks of life. We will miss her spirit and send sincere condolences to her family.
August 29, 2016
Gabriela Coletta
The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus will remember Fran as a life-long advocate for women's rights across all areas of society. She will be dearly missed!
August 29, 2016
John Pagliarulo
May she rest in peace in hands of God !! She was and always will be remembered , with love
John Pagliarulo
Former Chief of Police at Suffolk University
I am saddened as I write these words , bye
August 27, 2016
Throughout her life, Fran wanted to make the world a better place, through her professional work and beyond that, to her friends and family. I am sorry to hear this news. She was willing to face challenges, to take up social justice issues, and to help others join her in her efforts. The world is a better place because of Fran. Fran will live on in the lives of the many people she affected. We will miss her. My thoughts and prayers and love are with her family. Fran will not be forgotten.
August 27, 2016
Evangelia Souris
May she rest in peace. Her legacy will be eternal. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
She will truly be missed.
August 26, 2016
Matthew Adair
Professor Burke was a mentor for me during my short time in Boston in the fall of 2008. She exposed me to the concept of ethics and taught me valuable lessons about feminism that I cherish to this day. I remember fondly making her poached egg toast and helping organize her beautiful Beacon Hill home. I am so blessed to have met her and give my most sincere condolences to her family.
August 26, 2016
Mary Warnement
I knew Fran because I worked in the library she frequented. What a woman! She will be missed and you have my condolences.
August 26, 2016
Sandra Kautz
I will remember her as a passionate activist and defender of democracy, and as a very strong woman who carved a unique path - always caring about social justice.
August 25, 2016
alice wolf
Fran was a vibrant person and feminist. I am very saddened to hear of her death and send my condolences to her family. She was a force to be reckoned with.
August 25, 2016
Maura Hennigan
I am so saddened to hear of Fran's passing. She was an extraordinary women who cared deeply for so many. She was a passionist feminist and was tireless in working for those she believed bettered our City, State and Nation. I will miss you Fran, rest in peace.
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