Eugenia (Genie) Austin Burke, 91, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away peacefully Monday, November 24, 2014 at Schuyler Ridge Residential Health Care in Clifton Park.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of William and Catherine Austin. Genie was raised there and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Albany. She later moved to Rensselaer and lived most of her adult life there.

She was a Beautician, did hairdressing, worked in several different capacities at the family business, Austin Beauty School, and also audited Beauty Schools for the Cosmetology Accrediting Commission. Her spiritual life was very important to her and as her children grew she became more involved in her Church, St. Joseph’s, Rensselaer. She was a Pastoral Council member, a member of the Diocesan Advisory Board for the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), loved her Bible Study and singing in the folk group at Masses. Genie loved her children, the outdoors and camping and got to do more camping when they graduated to a trailer and “seasoned” at a couple different Rensselaer County campgrounds.

Genie is the widow of Howard G. Burke.

Survivors include her children Kathleen Brindle of Sun City Center, Florida, Robert (Mildred) Burke of Loudonville, Elizabeth (David Haverly) Burke of Mechanicville and William (Deborah) Burke of Colonie, her grandchildren, Melissa VonBurg Deller, Michael VonBurg, Matthew VonBurg, David Burke, Erin Burke, Kyle Burke, Andrew Burke and Jennifer Burke, several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings John Austin, Robert Austin and Marion Phinney.

Funeral from the W. J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 9 a.m. and at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, Herrick Street, Rensselaer at 10:00 a.m., where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre, East Greenbush. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Capital Region Ostomy Association of NY, 33 Farley Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144