Obituary for Mary T. Burke Mary McManus Burke died peacefully surrounded by her family in Stony Brook on May 23, 2018. She leaves behind a family that loves her more than one can imagine. Beloved wife of Robert J. Burke.
Loving mother of Mary (Mark), Barbara Jean, and Adrienne (Stephen). She was GranMary to Mary Claire, Bridget, Megan (Will), Sean, Matthew (Kerry), and Erin. She was sister and best friend to Kay (the late John) Traynor.
Wonderful aunt to John (Katie), Kathy (Chris), Carol, Laura (Rob), James (Jen). Friend to many who will miss her dearly. Mary was born to Nan and Frank McManus in Astoria, NY on January 30, 1935.
She attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Bishop McDonnel High School. She went on to be a Secretary of the Vice President of Lever Brothers and Bristol Myers. Mary and Bob raised three daughters in Smithtown NY.
She worked as the Office Manager in a local Physicians Office for 15 years and then as the Administrative Assistant in the Pastoral Counseling Department of Saint Agnes Hospital in MD. Mary was a children’s author and her book A My Name is Andrew will live as a legacy of her incredible command of the English language. She was lovingly called the “Alliteration Queen”.
She visited many local schools sharing her book with students and encouraged them with her love of reading. She also talked about the lesson of perseverance, as she worked tirelessly without ever giving up until her dream of becoming a published author was achieved. But the things she loved most and are truly remembered for are all of her fantastic tea parties, hot pink wardrobe, and closet full of muu muus, capes and picture hats.
She was famous for her love of going to yard sales and her glee in many of her treasured finds. She loved going out for a piece of pizza with friends, spending hours and hours in Panera Bread, laughing with her sister Kay and girlfriends. Everyone who met Mary could easily see that her heart was overflowing with love and immense compassion for her family and friends.
She had such a positive outlook on life and an amazing ability to connect with people, even those she didn’t really know, and make them feel important. Connections were important; she was known to often be talking on the phone and writing emails to family and friends. She showed mercy to many and was a living example of Jesus’ love.
She will be remembered for her infectious smile and her unwillingness to complain no matter what challenges, burdens and trials she faced. Anyone she met and knew, could not help to see she was one remarkable and extraordinary woman. Mary loved Jesus, and credited her mother and father for passing on to her their “simple Irish Faith”.
She, in turn, passed on her beautiful Catholic Faith to her children and grandchildren. She and her daughter Barbara Jean enjoyed attending a weekly prayer group on the Divine Will for the past several years. Mary was a Eucharistic minister at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Smithtown and would often give rosary beads to those who did not have them.
She prayed the rosary every morning before getting out of bed, and prayed countless rosary novenas for her loved ones. Her family is certain that she will continue praying for them from heaven. Mary and Bob Burke celebrated 60 years of marriage this past November.
They were awaiting the birth of their first great-granddaughter this August from granddaughter Megan (Will). Both Mary and Bob were also looking forward to dancing at the upcoming September wedding of her granddaughter Mary Claire and welcoming her fiancé Michael into the family. Mary will be deeply missed at upcoming weddings and celebrations, but will be spiritually present.
Although we deeply mourn our loss, we rejoice in knowing that she is in Jesus’ loving arms. Mary will be missed beyond words. Donations can be mailed to: Mercy Haven Inc. Attention Sr. Pat Griffin 859 Connetquot Ave.
Suite 10 Islip Terrace, NY 11752 . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary T. Burke please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details St. Patrick Cemetery 200 Mount Pleasant Road Hauppauge, NY, 11788 2018 Previous Events Visitation 2018 MAY 29.
09:00 AM – 10:15 AM Fives Smithtown Funeral Home 31 Landing Avenue Smithtown, NY, US, 11787 shawn@fivesfuneralhome.com www. fivesfuneralhome.com Closing Prayer 2018 MAY 29. 10:15 AM Fives Smithtown Funeral Home 31 Landing Avenue Smithtown, NY, US, 11787 shawn@fivesfuneralhome.com www.
fivesfuneralhome.com Mass of Christian Burial 2018 MAY 29. 11:00 AM St. Thomas More R.C. Church 115 Kings Highway Hauppauge, NY, US, 11788 www.
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