Burks, Susanne M.

Susanne M. Burks, retired journalist, died on June 15, 2017 at age 87 in Parkland, Florida. Her son, Dr. Randy Burks of Parkland, FL, daughter, Julie Forbes of Tucson, AZ, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild survive her. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William F. "Bill" Burks.

Susanne was born March 11, 1930 in St. Louis, MO and grew up in Nevada, MO. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism in 1952. The family settled in Albuquerque in 1964 and she resided there until 2016. Her journalism career spanned more than 50 years beginning at age 13 as a columnist for her hometown newspaper and ending with her retirement in 1996 after almost 25 years as a reporter for the Albuquerque JOURNAL. She covered education, city government, and the NM District Court and was recognized for her writing skills and contributions to the local legal community. Susanne had a passion for women’s rights. She wrote numerous articles about discrimination against women, was active in the campaign to adopt a state Equal Rights Amendment, and supported the pro-choice movement in a variety of ways. She was president of the Association for Women in Communications, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Albuquerque Press Club and served in the Albuquerque Press Women and the NM Press Women. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

A private memorial service will be held in Albuquerque; donations may be made to the charity of your choice.