Mary Elizabeth Burke

On March 14, 2016, Mary Elizabeth Burke (nee Guerin), departed this life, one that she lived with an abiding and joyful presence. She is the beloved wife of the late Chief Thomas James Burke, Baltimore City Fire Department. She is the devoted mother of Betty Waudby and Thomas James Burke, Jr., as well as the late Barbara Ann Knutsen and the late Eileen Marie Gossman. She is the dear mother-in-law of Michael Waudby, Kathryn Burke, William Gossman, and Karl Knutsen Sr. She is also the loving grandmother of Michael Waudby, Jr., and Meredith Waudby Gunn, Brendan, Katie, and Patrick Burke, Kelsey Skelton, Karl Knutsen, Jr. and Matthew Knutsen, as well as the cherished great-grandmother of Burke Waudby, Nora Burke, and Riley Skelton.

Born on October 12, 1924, she was a native of her treasured Baltimore and always cheered for her Orioles and Ravens. Mrs. Burke, or Betty as she was so well known, was the youngest of five children of Mary Estelle and Matthew Guerin, close-knit second generation German and Irish families. As a child, she loved to participate in theater at Saint Katherine of Sienna. She graduated from The Catholic High School in 1943, a proud member of the first graduating class.

Betty and Tom met during post World War II when housing was at a shortage. Betty’s sister rented rooms on East Preston Street where Tom’s sister and brother-in-law lived. Tom would visit family, and he and Betty began a friendship that later developed into a deep and loving marriage of 37 years. Their social life so often centered on their involvement in the Baltimore City Fire Department as Tom ascended to the appointment of Chief of the Fire Department in 1972. She and Tom had four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Their solid marriage, founded on an eternal partnership, was lasting until Tom’s untimely death in 1985.

Betty and Tom married in 1948 at St. Katherine of Sienna Church in East Baltimore. She worked for Rustless Steele for several years, and later attended the University of Baltimore where she studied English. To pursue her goal of teaching, she then attended the College of Notre Dame of Maryland where she studied Elementary Education.

Betty enjoyed a rewarding career as a fifth grade teacher at Shrine of the Little Flower, in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where she taught well over a thousand students during her 20 years of service. Often known for her keen wit and impeccable grammar, she was a well-loved educator in the community. She was known for her judicious balance of strictness and fairness to her students and their families. Her former students remember her as a kind role model and as a tremendous mentor who guided them with strength and encouragement in the classroom and beyond.

Betty and Tom began traveling with their children to Taylor’s Island in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the 1960’s. A city girl, Betty was unsure how she would adapt to Taylor’s Island; however, she fell in love with the sea way of life, and blossomed amid the ease of the tides, comradery with local residents, and long evenings along the cove. She later became a permanent resident from 1981 to 1990 where she made friends with so many of the Island’s residents. Many of Betty’s favorite moments were spent on Taylor’s Island where she soft crabbed, hosted Thanksgiving, and laughed with her family and friends. She also volunteer at Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge. Entrusted with managing the Hospital’s gift shop, Betty enjoyed buying trips around the region. She was also involved with the local fire house and often helped with their oyster roasts. She continued life on the Eastern Shore because she loved it, but eventually felt a pull to return to Baltimore. When she returned to Baltimore, she realized that her purpose was to care for her daughters, Barbara Ann and Eileen Marie.

Later in life, Betty enjoyed socializing with her neighbors and friends in Perry Hall. She founded a social group called the Crabby Ladies, a Tuesday evening gathering centered on fellowship, crabs, and laughter. Betty also belonged to the Red Hat Ladies, and she directed time and attention to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. She also remained active in the Baltimore City Fire Department’s Emerald Society throughout her life.

Betty was born to the Lindberg era, but she mastered new technology as it emerged. A fierce opponent in any game, she was force to be reckoned with in Words With Friends that she mastered on her iPad. An avid reader, she conquered impossible cross words puzzles throughout her life. Betty always had a beloved pup at her side until her latest years.

A committed Catholic, Betty lived the tenants of her faith through action and devotion. She was cherished for her compassion and forward thinking.

Her loved ones remember her for her love of family and friends, for her lightness and laughter, for her delightful wit, and for her enduring love of chocolate (perhaps her secret to happiness and longevity).

The family will receive friends at the Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc. (9705 Belair Road Nottingham, MD 21236) on Wednesday and Thursday from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. Interment in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Those desiring may direct expressions of sympathy to The St. Jude's Children Hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.schimunekfuneralhomes.com