Andrea Carol Volpa Birke, 57, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined her beloved husband’s spirit on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
A memorial service will be held 5pm Saturday, July 21 at Greenland Church of Christ, with Glen Ludwick officiating. The service will be followed by a potluck dinner.
Andrea was born in Paradise, California to Gerie Volpa and Robert Volpa on February 19, 1961. She married Bruce Birke on June 6, 1985 in Searcy, Arkansas after graduating from Harding University with a degree in education. Andrea worked as a teacher for Greenland School District for 20 years.
She retired in 2014 to care for her late husband, who passed in 2017 from progressive supranuclear palsy. She was a woman of incredible faith, and a dedicated member of support groups CurePSP and Celebrate Recovery.
Andrea is preceded in death by her mother, Gerie Volpa, brothers Lance and Vince Volpa, and husband Bruce Birke.
Andrea is survived by her three loving children, John, James, and Celi Birke, daughters-in-law Kristina Birke and Kelli Young, and grandson Rayne Dewey Birke, as well as many friends and family members, all of whom will miss her spirited laughter, dry wit, and enduring love.
Condolences may be made to beardsfuneralchapel.com.
ms. andrea birke was a great lady with a big heart for all the students she taught at Greenland.i was in line one time at Ozark natural foods and she was in line in front of me. after she left I got ready tp pay for my groceries and the cashier said “they’re already paid for.” that’s the type person I always found her to be.god bless her and her family.
I had the joy of knowing Andrea the past four years. Her earnest talk and her humor endeared her to a lot of us. I wish I had spent more time with her and will miss her dearly.–Mary Watson
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a joy to be around. Only knew her a few years in our ups and downs in life, but she always had a loving attitude. Will miss her.
John, James, and Celi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother from parent/teacher conferences, and all I could say besides “smart” about you three is that you all had a great sense of humor. You mentioned Andrea had a dry wit. That is definitely where you all got yours. Think always of the loving, laughing times. God bless.
–Katherine Novk
Dear Andrea, you are deeply missed. May we meet again in Heaven!
Andrea Birke was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She was always there for us if we needed help or just a just a nice chat. We will miss her. Our sympathies to Celi, John, and James and other family members.
I am very sorry to hear about your mother. I did not find out about her until too late to attend the service. My heart is with you all, especially the three children. God be with you. Jerry Anderson