Obituary of Elma Marian Burke

Elma Burke, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in San Juan Bautista on April 20, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born on January 5, 1931, in Salinas, California, and grew up in Greenfield, California, as the daughter of Maria Corda Lesnini Pura and Elmo Lesnini, and the stepdaughter of Arnold Pura. Elma attended King City High School and studied business at Heald College. Elma was preceded in death by her husband Albert and her grandson Justin O’Neil. She is survived by her daughters Terrilyn Burke, Sandra Hughes (Aaron), and Salli O'Neil (John); her grandchildren Grayson Dinino (Keri), Alex Hughes, Parker Hughes, and Shelby O'Neil; and her great-grandsons Bryce Dinino and Blake Dinino. Elma was a devoted and dedicated member of her community. She was an active member of The Native Daughters of The Golden West San Juan Bautista Parlor for over 50 years, serving in various leadership positions including treasurer. She was also a 4-H Leader, teaching sewing and cooking to her three daughters and fellow 4-H members, imparting the skills necessary for young ladies to thrive in the 70s. Elma was known as "the bank lady" during her long tenure at the various incarnations of the bank in San Juan Bautista. After the death of her husband Albert, she took over the operations of her apple orchard and cold storage, earning the affectionate nickname of "Apple Annie" among her friends. Later, she replaced the orchard with a flower field, which brought her great joy. Elma was fiercely proud of her Swiss heritage and visited her relatives in Switzerland multiple times, including two times with her daughters as they were growing up. She enjoyed speaking Swiss-Italian during lunch socials with her La Ticinella club formed by first-generation South Monterey County Swiss women. Elma was a devoted fan of her favorite college football team, the Oregon Ducks, always bedecked in green and yellow bling. She enjoyed tailgating with Terrilyn, Salli, and Shelby while attending three Rose Bowl games. Her family and friends fondly called her "Nana," and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was meeting her great-grandson Bryce shortly after his birth. Elma lived independently in her San Juan Bautista home until she was 91, caring for her two beloved cats, Lola and LeLe. Elma walked two miles a day with her best friend Darlene Anger until she was 89. In her last year, she resided at Loma Clara Assisted Living in Morgan Hill, where she enjoyed playing bingo, socializing at wine o'clock, attending ice cream socials, and flower arranging classes. Elma will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kind heart, infectious smile, and unwavering love for her family and friends. A celebration of Elma’s life will be held at 11 o’clock on Friday, April 28 at Mission San Juan Bautista Guadalupe Chapel followed by a reception at The Native Daughter’s Adobe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Native Daughters of The Golden West San Juan Bautista Parlor or Pet Friends in Hollister, causes that were dear to Elma's heart. Ciao Bella Mamma! Service Details: Visitation will be on April 27, 2023, from 3 pm- 7 pm. Rosary will be on April 27, 2023, at 6 pm Celebration of life will be on April 28, 2023, at Mission San Juan Bautista Guadalupe Chapel at 11 am.