Marie Burge, a dedicated advocate for the people of Prince Edward Island, passed away at the age of 88 in Charlottetown. Throughout her life, she championed various causes such as workers’ rights and land conservation, striving to create a more just society on the island.
In 1984, Burge played a key role in establishing the Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization focused on research, education, and community development. According to Joe Byrne, a close friend and colleague at the institute, Burge had a unique ability to inspire others to challenge themselves and approach things from a different perspective.
Before her involvement with the Cooper Institute, Burge was actively engaged in community work. She served with the Sisters of St. Martha and taught at Kinkora High School. Additionally, Burge spent five years in the Dominican Republic as part of the Latin American Mission Program, where she and her friend Sister Teresa Currie sheltered a young man from death squads during a period of turmoil.
Burge’s experiences in the Dominican Republic transformed her, fueling her determination to advocate for marginalized groups. Known for her fearlessness and ability to unite people, Burge later focused on promoting a basic income guarantee for Prince Edward Island, believing in a system that benefits everyone.
Throughout her career, Burge received numerous awards, including the Order of P.E.I., the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She was actively involved in causes related to land and water rights, co-founding the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands and supporting the National Farmers Union.
Described as always cheerful, Burge’s humility and dedication to community progress were highlighted by Byrne and Murphy. The New Democratic Party of P.E.I. also paid tribute to her, emphasizing her lasting impact on the island’s community and her unwavering commitment to social justice.