Ann Lowenstein Burka

Ann Lowenstein was beloved in Mobile, Alabama where she was born and grew up, and Ann Lowenstein Burka was beloved in New Orleans, where she moved at age 20 to join the love of her life, Morris E. Burka, Jr. to raise a family. To say they were happily married for 66 years doesn't do justice to this match made in heaven. Born September 18, 1924 to Aaron Albert ("Aden") Lowenstein and Blanche Marx Lowenstein, Ann attended Stephens College, then transferred to the University of Michigan. Throughout her life, she always had a special place in her heart for Mobile, and especially the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. She often quoted her aunt who said, "You can take me anywhere in the world, but always bring me back to Point Clear." One of our favorite "MaMere" moments was watching her singing "On Mobile Bay" with her great grandchildren.

Ann embraced New Orleans as her new home. She had a gift for making and keeping friends. In her later years, she would say, "I like where I came from, I like where I am, and I like where I am going." Once in New Orleans, she got involved in community activities and served on various boards. To name a few, New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center, Sara Mayo Hospital, Council of Jewish Women, and Longue Vue House and Gardens. Ann was recognized for her contributions to the New orleans community with awards from the Institute of Human Understanding, Volunteer activist award, and the Weiss Award, given by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. This latter organization works to promote understanding and respect among people of different races, religions, and cultures. As such, one wonders about the coincidence of Ann passing away on the first day of Chanukah and Christmas day, She was very comfortable bridging the gaps between those two great traditions.

Ann had the "it" factor, an intangible, magnetic effect on others of all ages. One of her younger friends said, "she has it all: looks, style, kindness, eternal youth, and most of all, fun." She treated others with an "I'm for you" attitude. Ann loved to dance, especially with Morris. Together they were pure elegance. Her two sons have kept her passion for dancing alive. She was a well-spring of joy, and those around her always felt that joy. She was viewed as a role model of how to age gracefully. She never lost her joie de vivre. Even in her last days, having become a centenarian, if asked how she was doing she would say, "fine!" or "Happy."

Life wasn't always easy for Ann. She was an only child who lost her mother before age 10 and her father when she was 17. She would say "I've had lots of downs over the years, but I just climb back up." The key she said, was, "I love life and I love people." and that love was returned throughout her life.

Morris was in the export business, so the two of them traveled the world, mixing business with pleasure. They were a dynamic duo, Morris's handling business agents and Ann entertaining their families. She spoke a universal language of kindness, fun, and interest in other's lives. No matter what country they visited, they left having made friends, not just business partners.

Most important to Ann was her family. Dinners together, trips together, involvement in their schools, she was always attending their athletic events, teaching dance classes, chaperoning school trips; she was always there cheering them on. She delighted in their accomplishments and was there to help them with their disappointments. She shared her pluck and positivity with her two boys.

Also central to Ann's life were her deep friendships. Having little family in New Orleans, she thought of her friends as family. She always had the welfare of others in mind, was fiercely loyal, and in touch with her many close friends on a daily basis.

Ann taught us much about how to live life to the fullest through a happy marriage, commitment to family, the importance of deep friendships, the ability to laugh at herself, a genuine interest in others, community involvement, and to look on the positive side of people. Her spiritual strength, learned from her Aunt Rose, helped her navigate many of life's challenges. She didn't count her age; she counted her blessings. Ann cautioned us, before her time to pass, saying, "Don't grieve for me, I've had a wonderful life, an I wouldn't change a damn thing!"

The Burka family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Sara Fernandez, who took great care of her for many years and warned us to save our money because she was going to make it to 100. Also, for the loving care she received both at Poydras home and Lambeth House. One of our lasting memories of "MaMere" will be, while serving as the queen of Poydras, dancing with visiting Zulu warriors, she didn't miss a beat and enjoyed every second. That was the story of her life.

Ann is survived by her two sons, Reece (Julia) and Andy (Cathy), four grandchildren, Aden (Dan), Casey (Sophie), Sam (Erica), and Daniel (Ona), and eight great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held in Metairie Cemetery on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Donations may be sent to the Greater New Orleans Foundation (919 Saint Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130) or the Anti-Defamation League (935 Gravier St., New Orleans, LA 70112).

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com