Dr. Amanda Jo Burke

Dr. Amanda Jo Burke, 41, of Kent, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2022, at University Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio. 

Amanda - a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, educator, and friend - was born to Susie Burke (nee Braglin) and Joseph Burke on October 23, 1981, in Cambridge, Ohio. 

A 2000 graduate of John Glenn High School in New Concord, Ohio, Amanda continued her education at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and going on to earn both a Master of Education and Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion. For the past seven years, Amanda has been a faculty member at Kent State, being promoted to Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences in 2021. During this time, she touched the lives of countless students in her classrooms as well as published academic research on intimate partner violence and substance abuse.  

Amanda had the rare ability to translate her academic training and knowledge into life-changing practice through her work with non-profit organizations. She was a Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist at Townhall II and also worked at Horizon House Residential Treatment for Women. 

However, Amanda’s favorite and best job title was “Mom”. She deeply loved and was dedicated to her family, and they brought her great joy. She would do anything for them, which led her to become President of the Board of Directors for United MSD Foundation - a charity dedicated to finding a cure for Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency, which was near and dear to her heart as her son Jett has this terminal illness. She also worked with Summit County Adoption Services as a trainer for foster parenting. 

In addition to her academic publications, Amanda authored a children’s book called “Micadoo Blue” which was based on her beloved therapy dog, Micadoo, who was a source of comfort and joy whether attending library story time or cuddling with his family. She was also a member of several organizations including the National Recreation & Park Association, The Ohio Society for Public Health Education, Live Healthy Appalachia, The American Diabetes Association, Therapy Dogs International, and ETA Sigma Gamma. 

Amanda lived her life to help others. She was devoted to her family and career and made everyone around her want to be better in one way or another. She was caring, compassionate, and had a smile that would light up a room. 

Amanda is survived by her wife, Vanessa Burke (nee Ware); and their beloved children, Jaylynn, Maya and Jett. She is also survived by her mother, Susie Burke of Cambridge, Ohio; father, Joseph (Cheryl) Burke of Cambridge; brother, Jesse Burke of Cambridge; grandmothers, Shirley Braglin of New Lexington, Ohio, and Wilma Burke of Cambridge; aunt, Teresa Braglin (Roger Touvell) of Zanesville, Ohio; uncles, Will Burke of Cambridge, Frank (Debbie) Burke of Cambridge, Ed (Carol) Burke of Senecaville, Ohio; and her closest friend, Sue Barker of Ravenna, Ohio. She also leaves behind several cousins and many lifelong friends. 

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Charles “Bill” Burke of Cambridge, and William “Bill” Braglin of New Lexington; uncles, Brian Braglin of New Lexington, and Tony Braglin of New Lexington. 

Cremation services by Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory in Kent, Ohio. There will be formal services, but A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date once her loved ones have had time to recover from this tragic loss. 

In lieu of flowers or cards, monetary donations can be made to United MSD Foundation in honor of Amanda Burke. 

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

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