Marie Burge dedicated her life to advocating for the people of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). She championed causes such as workers’ rights and land protection to create a more just society on the island. Burge passed away at the age of 88 in palliative care in Charlottetown.
In 1984, she played a key role in founding the Cooper Institute, a non-profit organization focused on research, education, and community development. Joe Byrne, a close friend who collaborated with Burge at the institute, highlighted her ability to inspire fresh perspectives and encourage self-reflection.
Before her involvement with the Cooper Institute, Burge was deeply engaged in community activities, including teaching at Kinkora High School after joining the Sisters of St. Martha in 1958. She also spent five years in the Dominican Republic as part of the Latin American Mission Program, where she and Sister Teresa Currie protected a young man from execution by hiding him during a period of turmoil.
Mary Murphy, a fellow member of the Sisters of St. Martha, noted that Burge returned from her mission work with a renewed vigor to support marginalized groups, delving into various social issues and rallying people together.
Described as fearless by Byrne, Burge advocated for initiatives like a basic income guarantee for P.E.I., emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in societal systems. Throughout her life, she received numerous awards, including the Order of P.E.I., the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Burge actively supported land and water rights as a founding member of the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Lands and collaborated with the National Farmers Union. Her advocacy extended to the P.E.I. Working Group for a Livable Income.
Apart from her activism, Burge was remembered by Byrne and Murphy as someone who brought laughter and humility to every interaction. She deflected praise for her contributions, attributing the progress to collective efforts rather than personal achievements.
The New Democratic Party of P.E.I. paid tribute to Burge’s enduring passion and dedication on social media, acknowledging her positive influence on the community and inspiring outlook on effecting positive change.