Polly Norment Burke

Polly Norment Burke died peacefully at home on March 18, 2017, in Alexandria, VA. Born in Washington, D.C. on June 16,1926, Polly was the daughter of the late Clarence Forbes Norment, Jr of Washington, DC, formerly President of the National Bank of Washington, and the late Margaret Polley of Buffalo, NY. She was a fifth generation Washingtonian. Polly was raised at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC and was educated at The Sidwell Friends School.  Prior to her marriage, she worked for several years as the Junior Chairman of the Home Hospitality Committee, a non-profit organization that helped veterans of World War II and the Korean War, especially those who suffered injuries, as they re-integrated into civilian life upon returning home from war.  On one auspicious occasion, Polly arranged for Winston Churchill to visit with wounded American veterans and their families.
  
In 1954, she married George Anderton (Andy) Burke of Alexandria, VA, who preceded her in death in 1985. Together they raised their three children, Clarence N. Burke (Maria) of Alexandria, VA, Marney B. Cooney (Philip) of Southlake, TX, and Julian T. Burke, II, (Valerie) of Alexandria, VA, and two step-sons, G. Anderton (Tony) Burke, Jr (WaewDao) of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Michael G. A. Burke (Ruth) of New Orleans, LA.

Since 1961, Mrs. Burke resided on Captain’s Row in Old Town and was well-known for inviting visitors in to see her garden.  In 1975, she and her friend, Anne Cabaniss, authored a cookbook, Delectable Cookery of Alexandria, which had been endorsed by the Bicentennial Commission of Alexandria. This was followed in 1980 by a sequel, More Delectable Cookery of Alexandria.

For many years, she served on the Alexandria Republican Party Committee and she campaigned actively for many candidates seeking elective office.  During his tenure, Virginia Governor George Allen named her to serve on the Citizens Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion; the Alexandria Historical and Restoration Preservation Commission; and the First Lady’s Advisory Council.
 
Polly was an avid tennis player and fan, and belonged to Belle Haven Country Club for over 60 years.  She played tennis every day during her winter visits to Naples, FL, where she had made many friends since first visiting there in 1970.
      
In addition to her children, she is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Clarence Burke, Jr , Anthony Burke, Marjorie Burke, Philip Cooney (Jennifer), Polley Cooney, Ruth Cooney, Samuel Burke, Julia Burke, Anderton Burke, III, and Jonathan Burke (Vanessa).  She is also very fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Polly was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence F. Norment, III.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Nancy N. McCabe of Bethesda, MD and Agnes F. Burke of Irvington, VA.  
 
A private burial will take place on April 29th at Ivy Hill Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 South Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to:

Alzheimer's Association (alz.rog/nca)
National Capital Area Chapter                        
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102.  

LightHouse/Encompass (ehhi.com)
5427 Backlick Road
Springfield, VA 22151  


 

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