Juliette Massoud Burke (May 23, 1938 – Sept. 2, 2023)

Juliette, lovingly called Julie by most of those who knew her, died peacefully at 7:05 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family. At her side was her dedicated husband of 61 years, Ron Burke. Also with her were her sons Douglas and Edmund Burke and their wives Valerie and Denise. As a testament to her deep faith, all family members were praying for her and reading Bible verses to her until her last breath. Her sister, Georgette, who was in deep prayer, saw a flash of light go across a picture of Virgin Mary as Julie’s spirit soared past on her way to heaven. Juliette was a kind, loving and jovial person who cared for and lifted others up so they might also live a positive life.

Juliette was born in Jaffa, Palestine on May 23, 1938, the fifth child of twelve for Fadwa El Boury and Elias Massoud. Julie was a very spiritual person who grew up near Jerusalem, “where Jesus walked,” when Palestine was peaceful under British rule. Her Christian family was very loving, and Julie had a carefree childhood until bombs started hitting areas near her home in 1948. When Julie was 10, her father Elias made the tough decision to quickly leave Palestine with a few belongings and take the whole family to Lebanon until the fighting was over. Julie’s family lived in a refugee camp in Beirut for 2 years until they could get an apartment for their large family. They were never able to return to Palestine. For 10 years, the family petitioned to come to the USA, and Juliette was sent by her father to finalize the paperwork. When they arrived in the USA in 1958, Julie’s father told them, “America is our home now.” Several of her brothers served in the U.S. Army, and all of her family became U.S. citizens. Julie was proud to work and help her parents buy their home in New Jersey.

Julie started dating Ron after he returned from serving in Korea. He loved her joy of life, desire to try new things, and energy to tackle tough issues. They married July 1, 1962 and welcomed their eldest son Douglas a year later. Edmund was born two years later, and then baby Gerald arrived to complete their family. All three sons were devoted to their loving mother.

After moving to Manassas, VA for Ron’s job with IBM, Julie started selling Avon. She loved the makeup, jewelry, and perfume, and she loved helping people. After several years of being a top “Avon Lady,” she tried her hand at Real Estate. She found her purpose and passion by helping people in Manassas find a home. Julie won many Top Producer Realtor Awards including Life-Time Million Dollar Club, but her most prized trophy was the “Legend Award.” Julie retired from Real Estate when she was 79 years old. She loved all her clients and tenants.

All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas was her sanctuary, and she prayed daily for her family and friends by name. After she retired, Valerie would take her to mass every Sunday. Over the last three years, Ron played the live-stream mass from All Saints for her. In her final years, Home Instead caregivers assisted her with compassionate care. The family extends a special thank you to Miriam for her kindness, friendship, and devotion.

Juliette is predeceased by siblings Edmund Massoud, George Massoud, Joseph Massoud, Josephine Faris, and Paul Massoud. Surviving siblings are Georgette Kamburov, Raymond Massoud, Robert Massoud, Nabil Massoud, John Massoud, and Pierre Massoud.

Juliette is survived by her children (and their spouses), Douglas (Valerie), Edmund (Denise) and Gerald (Julie) and her five grandchildren: Christine Burke Evans (Andrew), Jennifer Burke Singh (Simarpreet), Nathan Burke (Tiffany Downing), Deanna Burke Medina (Esteban), and David Burke.

Visitation will be held at Baker-Post Funeral Home (10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA 20110) on Friday, September 8th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with interment to follow at Manassas City Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Juliette Burke may be made in person to All Saints Catholic Church or online to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (https://svdparlington.org/).

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