Marie Burge, a dedicated advocate for the people of Prince Edward Island, passed away at 88 in Charlottetown. Throughout her life, she championed various causes, including workers’ rights and environmental conservation, with a strong focus on creating a fair and just community on the island.
In 1984, Burge played a key role in founding the Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and community development. Joe Byrne, a close friend and colleague from the institute, highlighted Burge’s ability to inspire others to think differently and take on new challenges.
Before her involvement with the Cooper Institute, Burge had an extensive community engagement background. She joined the Sisters of St. Martha in 1958 and taught at Kinkora High School. Burge also spent significant time in the Dominican Republic with Sister Teresa Currie, where they bravely sheltered a young man from execution by hiding him in their home during a period of unrest.
Burge’s experiences in the Dominican Republic transformed her, fueling her passion to advocate for marginalized groups. She became known for fearlessly addressing social issues and bringing people together for positive change.
Her advocacy extended to various causes, including advocating for a basic income guarantee for P.E.I. Byrne praised Burge’s unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive society where everyone could benefit equitably.
Throughout her life, Burge received numerous awards and recognitions for her tireless work, including the Order of P.E.I. and several prestigious medals. She played a pivotal role in advocating for land and water rights as a founding member of the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands and supported the National Farmers Union and the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income.
Beyond her professional achievements, Burge was remembered by Byrne and Murphy for her infectious laughter and humility. She always emphasized that the work she did was for the greater good and belonged to the world, not just to her.
The New Democratic Party of P.E.I. also paid tribute to Burge, acknowledging her immense contributions to the community and expressing deep sorrow at her passing. They highlighted her positive outlook on life and her ability to inspire others to strive for a better world.
Marie Burge’s legacy as a tireless advocate for social justice and community well-being will be deeply missed on Prince Edward Island.