LuAnne Elizabeth Burke, 58

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of LuAnne Elizabeth Burke at her home on the farm in Las Cruces on May 6, 2025, after succumbing to a rare form of cancer (called “PMP”).  She was the first grandchild on both sides of the family, born January 10, 1967 to Francis and Martha Burke, and was named as a melding of Ludwig (Landsman) and Mary Antoinette (Burke). 

LuAnne had naturally curly brown hair, large hazel brown eyes, a strong love for God and people.  She was a Mayfield High graduate, Class of ’85; and then joined YWAM, telling people about Jesus through the US and the world, and living and working in Haiti for five years.  She later finished degrees in Education which included student teaching in Dominica—and Social Work at NMSU while working at the LC Gospel Rescue Mission. She was an “anti-institutionalist” in her caring for people, such as towards a friend with AIDS she assumed guardianship for, and another friend she pursued a liver transplant for.   Most recently, she baked elaborate apple pies, and wholeheartedly managed U-Pick Mesilla Valley apples west of town.  LuAnne is cherished for her quirky sense of humor, creativity, cogency, and for her genuine love that changed lives.  In her last months, people reached out to her from near and far to express thanks for her life and love. 

LuAnne is preceded by her parents (in 2014 and 2011), and by her youngest sister, Rachel Helen Miller (February, 2025).  She is survived by her younger sister, Esther Burke, her four nephews, Abraham, Samuel, Ezekiel, and Jedidiah Miller, her aunts: Mary Ann (Burke) Wheeler, and Ondina Landsman; and numerous beloved cousins and friends.

A funeral will be held for LuAnne on May 31^st at New Covenant Fellowship at 9:30 am (20 Holy Cross Rd, LC) with a gathering at the Burke house to follow. Thank you to Mesilla Valley Hospice for caring for her very well in her final weeks.