Margaret “Bonnie” Fisher Burke, age 76, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away peacefully with her husband Robert by her side on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Margaret was born May 21, 1946 to Nancy C. Fisher and David C. Fisher.
Bonnie received her name from her grandmother who called her a” wee bonnie lass”. She grew up in Sturgis Michigan. With her mother as leader of the local gardening club, she developed a love and appreciation for gardening and nature.
She graduated from Sturgis High school and continued her education at the University of Michigan. She graduated cum laude in 1968 with a bachelor degree in nursing.
Bonnie met her husband of 54 years in 1965 while pursuing her nursing degree. She married Robert on May 4th, 1968. After graduation, Bonnie began working for the University of Michigan and became the head nurse of Neurosurgery under Eddie Kahn, M.D. She moved with her husband to Texas where Robert served as a USAF Captain in the Air Training Command. She continued her career in Laredo, Texas where she developed a comprehensive nursing curriculum and updated infectious control practices at the Laredo Hospital. The couple returned to Ann Arbor in 1973 and she returned to the University of Michigan as the head nurse for the Kellogg Eye Center.
In 1981, Bonnie & Robert welcomed their daughter Catherine home.
Bonnie supported Robert through his education as a dental graduate of the University of Michigan dental school, as a graduate of oral & maxillofacial surgery, and his return to school to become a medical doctor. She was a patient & supportive wife who always encouraged Robert to pursue his goals. She managed Robert’s practice, the Michigan Center for Cosmetic Surgery for many years and will be dearly missed by the MCCS staff.
When she was not caring for her patients or enjoying time with her family, Bonnie enjoyed spending her spare time restoring woodlands including the parcel of land she and Robert had in Matthaei farms. She also enjoyed gardening and ornithology.
Bonnie was a generous individual who enjoyed donating both her time and money to help create a better world. She was a philanthropist, preferring to remain an anonymous donor. Her efforts gave many men and women a start. She paid off student debt, helped with housing, and even bought a truck for someone to use in business.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert H. Burke; her daughter Catherine Caldwell Burke; a brother David C. Fisher.
Margaret was preceded in death by her sister Sarah, her father David C. Fisher and her mother Nancy C. Fisher.
A memorial gathering for Margaret will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A burial of ashes will occur Friday, June 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Forest Hill Cemetery, 415 Observatory St, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bonnie's memory may be made to Michigan Humane Society, michiganhumane.org/donate; The Fowler Center, thefowlercenter.org/donate.htm; and Therapeutic Riding, Inc., https://www.therapeuticridinginc.org/donate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Burke family.
FAMILY
Dr. Robert H. BurkeHusband
Catherine Caldwell BurkeDaughter
David C. FisherFather (deceased)
Nancy C. FisherMother (deceased)
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