Aileen H. Burch

Aileen Helen Barna Burch, February 16, 1938 – April 4, 2023, passed at Lehigh Valley Hospice House in East Stroudsburg after a short stay. 

Aileen was born in Freeland, Pennsylvania to Michael and Anna (Shiner) Barna.  She attended Freeland High School and went on to Allentown School of Nursing, graduating in 1958.  She began her nursing career at East Stroudsburg General Hospital (now LVHN-Pocono).  She worked nights in pediatrics for most of her nursing career, retiring in 2002, 44 years later.  Nursing and caring for people was her passion.  She referred to her young patients as “her kids.”

Aileen met her future husband, Earl R. Burch, while working at Pocono Crest. They met at an ice cream shop in married in 1958.  They shared life together until Earl’s passing in 2018, just short of 60 years together.  They enjoyed square dancing, camping, riding and racing ski-doos, and riding their Harley.  Aileen bowled, was a girl scout leader, den mother, and was very active in St.Luke’s Church in Stroudsburg, working every summer at their festival.  She traveled all over Europe, cruised and could often be found at Mount Airy, Mohegan Sun or Atlantic City.  She lived a full life.

She is survived by her son John Burch and his wife, Clarissa; daughter Cindy Burch-Newport and her husband, Ray; grandsons: Jason Burch and Austin Newport, granddaughter Jessica Burch; great-granddaughter Kylie O’Connor all of Stroudsburg; her sister Elsie (Barna) Pshar and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Michael Barna II, Edmond Barna, Tom Barna, infant brother Emil; sister Anna Barna Mondell; nieces Mary Jane Barna, Debbie Pshar Bonner; and nephews David and Mark Mondell.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.  Private cremation has been entrusted to the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, Inc. 23 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

Memorial donations can be made in Aileen’s honor to AWSOM, Diabetes Foundation, or the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation.

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