In 2014, Patricia (Bourke) Hertzfeld created this scholarship to honor her parents and celebrate their love of education and their devotion to Auburn, MA. It is awarded to students from Auburn High School who plan to major in Pre-Veterinary Studies, Electrical Engineering, or other subjects that were dear to her parents’ hearts. 

Pat and Bob Bourke were born and raised in Worcester. Pat was the salutatorian of her class at St. Peter’s High School, and Bob graduated from Worcester Boys Trade (now Worcester Technical High School). They both completed high school in 1944, during World War II. Pat volunteered for the United Service Organizations (USO), and Bob served in France, Germany and Belgium as a Private in the Army. 

Pat and Bob married in 1946. Five years later, they moved to Auburn, where they became deeply rooted and lived for the remainder of their lives. All of their five children graduated from Auburn High School. 

Pat Bourke, though offered a college scholarship, chose to raise her family rather than pursuing higher education. A devoted reader, she fostered the love of learning in her children. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang in the St. Joseph’s Church choir. Animals, especially dogs, were a central part of her life.

Bob was a Master Electrician and handyman for almost 30 years. He then changed careers in midlife, earning a B.A. in Education in 1975. He finished his career as a teacher at the Blackstone Valley and Bay Path regional technical schools. One of his lifelong hobbies was the cultivation of fruit trees, and he was also a Scoutmaster for many years. 

Together, Pat and Bob enjoyed dancing, travel, and their large family. Patricia, their eldest daughter, describes them as “well-read people who never stopped learning and teaching. They were bright, honest, hard-working, positive thinkers, with wonderful senses of humor and a strong faith that they could handle anything life dealt them.” Bob passed away in 2012, followed by Pat in 2014. This scholarship strengthens their legacy by supporting Auburn youth in their pursuit of learning and the enjoyment of life