Maria America Burke

Maria America Gutierrez Burke, known as “Awita” to her grandchildren, peacefully let go of this life at 87 years old and entered into eternal life with Jesus on July 16, 2022, while surrounded by her family.

Maria was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico to Francisco and Felicita Gutierrez and had two brothers and three sisters. She spent her childhood in Aibonito, Puerto Rico on her grandmother’s farm, and as a young girl moved with her family to Manhattan, New York where she attended P.S. 43, Manhattanville Junior High School, and George Washington High School. As a young woman in her 20s, Maria moved to Miami, Florida with her godmother, Sixta, began attending mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral and joined their Catholic Singles Bowling League.

Through this league she met Edward R. Burke, who she married on September 16,1961 at St. Mary’s in Miami, Florida. Maria and Ed bought their first home in Opa-Locka, Florida and lived there for 17 years. They were active parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church where they attended service and where their daughters attended school. They could be found volunteering, chaperoning, and supporting the many events at O.L.P.H. Maria continued to be involved with O.L.P.H. over the years through their women’s reunion group known as the O.L.P.H. Lunch Bunch. Maria and Ed eventually moved to Cooper City, Florida where she resided for 40 years. They raised five beautiful daughters, Yvonne, Dolores, Felicia, Dianne, and Maria Lynne as well as their niece Desiree, who they adopted.

As a young woman, Maria was a bank teller at Flagler Federal Savings and Loan. In 1969, she became an Avon representative while she was a stay-at-home mom. During her years working for Avon, she earned many accolades including winning the prestigious Presidents Club Award annually. From 1980 until 1997, she worked as a Graduate Admissions Advisor at Biscayne College/St. Thomas University where she greatly contributed to the completion of their accreditation that led to the founding of the Law School. She was highly admired and loved by staff and students alike with many of the students fondly referring to her as “Mom.” Maria was not only a valued employee of St. Thomas but also a proud Class of 1992 alumna having obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Upon retiring, Maria wholeheartedly embraced the role of Awita, purchasing a van to drive all her beloved grandchildren around, volunteering at their schools, attending games and events, and hosting sleepovers!

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and her husband, Ed. She is survived by her sister Diana O’Connell, her five daughters, four sons in law, 13 grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews. Yvonne and Albert Fernandez (Daniel & Nicholas), Dolores and Derek Scott (Corey, Katrina & Gabriella), Felicia and Greg Froelich (Zachary, Justin, Noah & Shane), Dianne and Billy Bronkhorst (Selena, Bella & Layla), Maria Lynne Burke (Evangeline), and Desiree Renee Gutierrez.

She will be dearly missed by friends and family and will forever be remembered as a devout Catholic, God-fearing, feisty, fashionable, loving, sassy, kind, fun, and generous matriarch.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a celebration of life on Monday, July 18th from 5pm-9pm at Forest Lawn in Davie, Florida. Mass will be held in her honor on Tuesday, July 19th at 10am at St. David’s Catholic Church, also in Davie.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Burke family.