Rozalija Irena Burke (née Rupnik), known to all as Zalka, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024, in Surrey, BC, at the age of 52. Born on November 9, 1971, in Sudbury, ON, Zalka's vibrant spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Zalka attended the University of Western Ontario, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology. She dedicated her career to clinical research and was highly regarded as a Clinical Research Monitor at ICON.

Zalka met the love of her life, Sean Burke, while they both worked at Merck. Together, they built a beautiful life in British Columbia with their three children: Sasha Burke, Graeme Burke, and Alexander Burke. Her stories of meeting Sean lit up every room, and her smile was contagious when she spoke proudly of her children.

Zalka had a love for adventures. She enjoyed running to the beat of her eclectic playlist, swimming, traveling, and surfing. Her passion for photography and art allowed others to see the world through her eyes, filled with beauty and wonder.

Zalka was predeceased by her father, Martin (Sudbury). She is survived by her mother, Ivanka (Sudbury), and her brothers, Martin and Frank (Ontario).

A celebration of Zalka’s life will be held on July 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM at 15886 106A Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local mental health associations.“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”

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