Anna Isabel Francis was born September 8, 1869 in Chatham, Ontario. She moved to Bathgate, North Dakota, in 1887, where she found local recognition as a piano teacher. She married John M. Burke of Cavalier on November 23, 1892, after which they resided on his homestead in Pembina County. They had six children: Kelly, Walter, Edna, Florence, Arthur and Robert. Anna Burke was active in church and community affairs in Cavalier.

Anna Isabel Francis Burke died April 3, 1942, while John M. Burke died July 30, 1946.