Passed away unexpectedly at her Victoria home on March 23, 2025. She was born in Victoria, BC on March 1, 1968. She leaves behind her daughter Caitlin, her parents Patrick and Denise, her brother Paul, sister-in-law Sarah, nephew Aidan, niece Adriana, aunts Marilyn and Patricia and many other friends and family and her beloved dog Haneul (Korean for Heaven). Lisa spent many years in academia studying Political Science, loved a good political debate, and was passionate about social justice issues.
She worked for many years in the BC Government, and more recently at the Garth Homer Society. She exercised obsessively, cheered on team Canada in various sports, and always wanted to leave the world a better place then when she arrived.
A Celebration of Lisa’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM. During the service to celebrate her life, formal attire is not required or expected. Flowers will be graciously accepted, or donations may be made in Lisa’s memory to the Garth Homer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Burke” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Corey den otter
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Maria Armoudian I am so, so, so very sorry. Sending my deepest condolences and wishes for deep healing. May she rest in peace. Much love, Maria
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Linda I was fortunate enough to work with Lisa while working for the provincial government. I was impressed with Lisa’s sincerity and true authenticity. RIP Lisa. My condolences to your family.
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Margret Orme We were so sad to hear of Lisa’s passing.
We have fond memories of hanging out on the St. Margaret’s playground after work with Lisa and Caitlin. Always enjoyed Lisa’s stories and our fun and engaging conversations while the girls played just a little longer!
Our condolences to Caitlin and Lisa’s family.
Genevieve, Margret and Andre
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Sara Ancona I am unbelievably saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. My condolences go out to her family and friends.
Lisa was a beautiful soul! Her laugh was wonderfully grand, her brain was studious, amazing, and praiseworthy, she was fun, nice, kind and clever, and I am honored to have called her a classmate and my friend. One of, if not the best graduate school classes I was luckily afforded to take was with Lisa and was also because of Lisa! Even the professor told our dynamic, analytical and respectfully argumentative group we might have been his favorite class in his 30+ years of teaching. Lisa thank you for being my friend and for helping my brain work in its potential!
Rest In Peace!
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
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Tara Anderson Lisa was such a special friend to me and my son Tyler while we lived in Victoria, and I’m so saddened by her unexpected and sudden passing. My heartfelt condolences to Caitlin, her parents Patrick and Denise, brother Paul, and family and friends. I admired Lisa’s passion and heart for justice and her compassion for people. We shared a love for animals (along with Caitlin and Tyler) as they always bring such joy and comfort. We also shared many fun adventures together – skiing, kayaking, camping, dinners out…and Lisa would always light up the room with her smile and bubbly personality. I know that it wasn’t all smiles and life could be tough and I pray that you are now truly at peace Lisa. I love you and miss you. ❤️
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Catherine Laird To Caitlin, Patrick, Denise & Paul & family:
We are all so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing.
I met Lisa as a colleague in early 2003 while working on the “Review Project” with the B.C. Govt.
We became fast friends and I was always amazed at her “Free spirit”, “Intellectual prowess”, “Kind-hearted friendship” and her incredible ability to drink copious amounts of “Diet Coke”.
I was lucky to call Lisa a good friend and will miss her terribly.
My sincere condolences to Caitlin on the loss of her mother and to her loving family on the loss of their daughter, sister, aunt, niece.
Lisa will be missed!
Sincerely,
Catherine Laird, Rob, Kyle & Jacen Rix
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Beverley I am so sorry to hear of Lisa passing away. Her spirit was always so infectious and such a sense of humor. Even though she could have run circles around me with her intellect, she never ever made me feel lesser.
I got to know her in my first gig in government and it was never a dull moment. She was so much fun to work with and always so kind.
I remember her light was truly Caitlan. The world is a bit lesser without Lisa in it.
Condolences to Caitlan and Lisa’s family.
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Cristine F Seeber Sending offerings of peace, courage and comfort for the Burke family. Lisa was brilliant, a lovely, and joyful soul, and she will be missed.
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David Wrate I’m so very saddened by Lisa’s passing. We worked together and I was always struck by her passion for service and commitment to helping people. She was a bright light in so many lives and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Lisa.
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Cathie Snelgrove I’m in shock of this news. We had so much fun in high school and then reconnected in Calgary over a fabulous dinner. She was witty and smart. Lead to many great conversations. Condolences to her daughter and parents. She’ll be in my heart forever
Cathie
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Peter Cheung With deepest condolences and sympathies to Lisa’s family and friends. We went to Mount Doug together and will always remember her beautiful smile.
Rest in peace Lisa
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Marly Burke My heartfelt condolences to Caitlin, Brian and Denise, Paul and Sarah and family. Lisa will be missed so much by all that loved her. I have fond memories of Lisa as a little girl when the family lived in Ottawa and we were able to spend time together as family. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to know her well in recent years. God Bless
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Lea Terry I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Lisa’s sudden passing. It was clear that she was a kind, funny and a thoughtful person who made a positive impact on those around her. Her presence will be missed here at work, and I am keeping your family in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
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Pete Lewis Very sad to hear of Lisa’s unexpected passing. I have many fond memories of Lisa from our teens and then when we connected again as adults.
Lisa had a passion for life, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference.
My condolences to her parents and brother and especially to Caitlyn in this most difficult time.
Rest in Peace Lisa.
Lisa,
I’m just Gutted to hear you’re gone. You were a solid friend many years ago and I’m so happy I got a chance to meet your daughter just after she was born, my heart breaks that she lost you so soon. I’m sure she will be Unbreakable, smart and fun just like her mom was. She’s got your strength in her. Rest easy, old friend.