1938-2018
Susanna "Susie" Burke Van Zandt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away February 18th, 2018. She was born October 8th, 1938, in Houston, Texas to Quo Vadis Quayle and John Joseph Burke, Sr, being the eighth child in the Burke family.
Susie graduated from Lamar High School in 1956 and attended the University of St. Thomas and the University of Houston; as well as decorating courses from the New York School of Design.
In Houston, Susie worked for Tennessee Gas Transmission known as Tenneco for 6 years. She married her long-time beau, Howard Lee "Hobby" Van Zandt, Jr., January 25th, 1964 at St. Anne's Catholic Church. They lived in Houston throughout their marriage where Susie was active in the Junior League of Houston. She served on the JLH board in various capacities; namely, Chairman of the Juvenile Probation Department, Assistant Provisional Chairman and Chairman of the Tea Room. Susie was active in the interior design business for over 30 years thoroughly enjoying working with her friends and clients enhancing their homes and offices.
She was known as "SuSu" to her grandchildren and is survived by her daughters, Kristin Van Zandt Rehel (and husband, Russell), Susanna Van Zandt Townend (and husband, Andy) and Catherine Van Zandt Lovoi (and husband, Mike); 10 grandchildren, Mary Stewart, Hobby, Elizabeth, Catherine and John Rehel; Anna LeJeune, Shannon Schulz; Stephen, Mia and Maggie Lovoi, and numerous nephews and nieces, her brother Jack Burke, Jr. (and wife, Robin), her sister Katie McConn (and husband, Jack), sister-in-laws Toni Burke, Roberta Williamson (and husband, Jack) and Fran Cox.
She is predeceased by her mother, Quo Vadis Burke, father, John Joseph Burke, Sr., spouse, Howard Lee Van Zandt, Jr., brothers, Eddie (and wife, Mary Evelyn "Puddin"), Billy (and wife, Betty) and Jimmy Burke, sisters, Margaret Ann, Beverly Burke Lane (and husband, Harry) and brother-in-law, Jack Cox.
Rosary will be held Thursday, February 22nd at Holy Rosary at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass to celebrate her life will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Westheimer, Friday, February 23rd, 2018 at 10:30 am, followed by a reception in St. Anne's Hall.
She worked for many Catholic causes and adored her Catholic Church, St. Anne's. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Anne's Catholic Church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, The Junior League of Houston or the charity of your choice
