To the family of Mrs Mary Burke,
The Ciepiela family were so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mrs Burke.  She was such a kindhearted person who was so nice to graciously share her weekend newspapers with my brother, Martin (recently deceased in May), so he could enjoy the Sunday comics.   Martin would routinely stop by her house on his daily walks to bring in her trash can, put the newspaper by the door or simply say hello.   She was a constant fixture on his regular walks and he enjoyed checking in on her and others along his route.  After my brother’s passing, my mom took it upon herself to stop by occasionally with tomatoes from the garden or a piece of something homemade to share.   Mrs Burke will be greatly missed by so many family, friends and neighbors.  Sending healing prayers and comfort during this difficult time. 
The Ciepiela Family

Dear Burke Family -  I came to know Mary when she sang with our choir for a season - Prince of Peace Ecumenical Traveling Choir, based in Crofton, and for our Spring 2015 trip to Italy. Mary was infinitely curious about our tour sites and the churches in which we performed. She took delight in the Italian foods and in the informal  'sing-off' with members of other, international choirs.  I met up with her again when I sang with the Christian Choir of Howard County.  She was a dear soul and she is now surely singing soprano in Heaven's Choir.   May your hearts be comforted in knowing that she is at peace.

My sincere condolences,
Penny Courtney

Photo: 9/3/21
Potluck celebration to thank the instructors for providing classes during COVID and celebrating the support system we created. 

One of my favorite things about Mary was her joy and her spunk! During class I would have the participants strike a pose several times during one particular song. Mary always had the best poses! One of her favorite poses was to flex her bicep to show off her muscles. I always enjoyed the time I was able to have speaking with Mary before and after class. I feel honored to have known her and it’s touching to read everyone’s thoughts and memories of her. My deepest sympathies, Samantha 

Mary was a wonderful kind loving lady. I so enjoyed singing with her in The Alleluias.  But my best memory is how Mary always showed her love for Jesus in everything she said and did.  She will be missed but now enjoying her reward in heaven.  

It was with a heavy heart that we learned of Mary’s passing. Mary was the dearest of friends and we miss her terribly. We will miss her joyful laughter and warm embrace. Her friendship put a sparkle in our lives. Her witty and positive personality showed us the good in everything and everyone. With Mary the glass was always half full. She was joy. Loving. Sympathetic.  Mary made Elkridge her home but the world was her oyster (literally and figuratively). The world she traveled is a better place for having known Mary. 

For many wonderful, joyous years, my wife Laurie enjoyed Mary’s company in the “shallows” of the YMCA water aerobics pool. This is where those who are slightly “height challenged” exercise. Water aerobics with Mary was always filled with laughter and fun commentaries and stories. I was the beneficiary of my wife’s friendship with Mary and will always be thankful for knowing Mary. We counted Mary as one of our dearest friends. 

In time our fondest memories of Mary will heal our heavy hearts. And when we look up at the night sky, the brightest of stars will remind us that Mary is watching over us. The goodness that she shared in her time with us on earth will make each sunrise and sunset glow ever more brightly because of her. We miss you Mary. We will always keep you close in our hearts. Thank you for making this a better world. 

Bruce & Laurie 

One of my fondest memories with Mary was singing together in The Alleluias.  Several times we rode together to the eastern shore when we would present worship concerts in Ocean City.  Mary was my traveling companion for a day when I needed to go handle some paperwork in Virginia after my late husband had passed. And other times we would just connect for lunch or dinner.  We were 10 years apart in age, but shared so many things in common that our times together flew by and we never ran out of subjects to talk about.  I know she is loving being a part of “Heaven’s Choir”.  Sing on my friend, until we meet again. 

Mary was a well loved member of the FBINA family along with her beloved husband Jack. She will be truly missed by those that knew and loved her. Judy Adler

May mother, Joy, absolutely adored her Aunt Mary. Mary was an example of living a life of love and joy.

Loved singing with Mary. One of the sweetest ladies I know. richard Styer

Mary was such a delight in our water fitness groups. We also shared a birthday and for the last 3 years we did a birthday lunch. Mary was such a sweet and caring woman and full of spunk. She touched everyone she met, I’m going to miss you lady. 

When I was a new member to the Howard County Choir several years ago, Mary was absolutely the sweetest person and made me feel so welcome.   She always had a smile on her face and it was obvious she was a blessing to anyone who knew her.

Darlene Carter

My condolences to Mary's family on your loss.  What a wonderful person that I got to know at the Dancel Y.  She was always sharing stories of her family, especially the grand children and the recent newborn.  She always had a smile and so pleasant to talk to at water aerobics.  I know we will miss her.  Once again, my deepest sympathies to you all.  Sincerely, Pete.

I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman.  I had the joy of teaching aqua classes to Mary over the years.  She was so spunky and full of funny comments.  Her energy made everyone smile and continue to work hard each week.  Mary will be missed!
With fond memories and my deepest sympathy,
Christine Bielen (Williams)

Mary was a wonderful person. She was always positive and uplifting to others. I sang with Mary in The Alleluias for over 25 years and got to know her more at 
my time at Melville Chapel UMC. She loved to travel and have adventures. Mary will be greatly missed but she is now in the arms of her beloved husband Jack and singing in her Lord's Choir!
Prayers for her family and friends 🙏❣️

To the Family,

Ms. Mary was such an inspiration to me every time we met in the pool.  She would always tell me how happy she was to see me and made it a point to chat with me.   After our last class together she advised me on some better choices of foods to help me on my journey, Always taking me by the hand and looking directly at me while sharing her knowledge.  I am going to truly miss Ms. Mary, but am thankful to God that He allowed our paths to cross.  She has definitely left a footprint on my life.  Rest in Eternity Ms. Mary.  You have earned your Wings.  In Christian Love, Vanessa 

To all those who loved Mary!

Mary attended my Aqua Zumba classes regularly at the Ellicott City YMCA.  She was an inspiration to all of us.  

She always had a story to share with fun and vigor.  She talked with love of her children, her grand children and her "great grans".  You all were the light of her life.

She always had a smile and good cheer.  Even after her recent fall, she never complained... she just kept on moving forward.   She will be missed.  We are all better people because we knew Mary.

Love to all,

Tish Heyssel

Mrs.Mary was an extraordinary God fearing woman. She was a ray of sunshine in this dark world to so many people. She loved her family dearly. I still have the hand-crafted cheetah she got me over 20 years ago in Africa (that still means the worldto me). Mrs.Burke was very adventurous and would try just about anything when it came to food or travel. She was our church choir director and a huge part of Melville Chapel. I will miss you so much until we meet again on the other side. Prayers and love to her family and all the amazing friends she had.  

OBITUARY

Mary Elizabeth Burke

April 29, 1936 – August 29, 2023

Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park

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