Mary Josephine Burke ( Vaughan ), 87, passed away peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary in the presence of family on June 15, 2014. She was born in Halifax on December 13, 1926 and raised on Bland St. Mary survived third degree burns to her arm as a child, to grow into a charming and beautiful woman with a wonderful singing voice. She married Bernie Burke on August 16, 1951. They were together for 55 years until Bernie passed away, in 2006. She is survived by 5 children: Michael ( Kathy ) of North Bay, Colleen of Vancouver, Elaine McCourt, Ruth Luke ( Peter ) and David ( Gail ), all of Halifax, grandchildren Laura ( Andrew ) , Andrew ( Clarissa ) and Julie, Alena ( Eric ) and Nissa, Ryan and Robin, Jack and David, Thomas, one great grandchild, Alena’s Tyson, with 2 more en route. Also by her sister Joan and many much loved nieces and nephews in Halifax and across the country. Mary was also predeceased by her son John and brothers Bernard and Gerald. Mary followed Bernie to army bases all across Canada, leading family singsongs all the way. After a one year stay in Halifax in 1960 while Bernie served in the United Nations in Pakistan, resulting in an amazing summer of day trips to Shad Bay with sister Joan, their 10 kids and one station wagon, they settled for good back in Halifax in 1966 to raise their now 6 children, complete with birthplaces in 4 different provinces. Mary brought happiness wherever she went. She was a long time supporter of St Thomas Aquinas Parish, the Catholic Women's League, Meals On Wheels and her Bridge Club. She was widely regarded as the vibrant heart of the Jubilee Road neighborhood. After Shad Bay, she loved to be at the Farm in East River on the 40 acres her father James Vaughan had purchased in 1946, being a former stage coach stop and as much property as he could afford to have surveyed. After wonderful times sharing the Farm for 10 years , the Burke Family Retreat, also known as The Cottage On Golden Pond, was built by Bernie and son David in 1976. Mary loved her family, her church and her home at 6047 Jubilee Road, where she laughed, baked, sang, prayed, entertained and actively lived for 45 years, right up until 2 weeks before she was called to reside in Heaven.
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