I was fortunate enough to have been born into a very warm and loving family, with a big brother who means the world to me.  And then a few years later, you came into our lives, Mary, and I was blessed with a big sister.  You were always there for me, through some extremely difficult and painful times. And you were always there to share in the happy and glorious times. I cherish little moments and conversations that you had probably long since forgotten. You just had a positive energy and a way of making things more fun, and your laughter was contagious! And your strength and courage is an inspiration to us all. Nothing will ever be the same without you, and I’ll miss you for the rest of my life. And if there is one thing I’ve learned from you that I’ll always carry with me, it’s to cherish life, try to enjoy every moment, and never be afraid to show the people you love just how much they truly mean to you. I hope you know how much you mean to me. I know we’ll see each other again one day. Rest In Peace, my big sister. I love you. ❤️

I met Mary & Richie in 1979 when Robert ( ex ) & I rented the second floor of their home on Clendenny Ave in JC. 
This was the beginning of a great friendship   
with so many fun & great memories. 
One that was blessed with me being asked to be the Godmother of their beautiful daughter Christina. Through all these years I was always amazed of Mary’s strength in fighting through many bouts of illnesses and never giving up. Even through this last fight Mary fought until she was just too tired & she knew  how much we all loved her so much. 
I will always love & cherish Mary & our friendship. She said it to me during her last few days that we were “ sisters”.  Always in my heart Mary. Rest in Peace my dear friend & sister

Friends of Richie  and  Erin’s Aunt Cass  and Uncle Mike.  Richie, Erin and the Burke Family we are so very sorry for your loss.  We never got the chance to meet your Mom but she sounds like a wonderful person and her family was everything to her.  Richie you are a great example of her love, cherish your memories, she will always be with you. Rest in peace Mary.

We have known Mary for a short time and can see why our daughter Erin loved her so much. We’ll always remember the Roger Waters concert and the other times we met at Erin and Richie’s apartment and at Prospectors  on Father’s Day.  We miss you Mary and will always love Richie like a son. Rest in peace.

Aunt Mary was such a warm, kind, and funny person and I'm going to miss her so much. Once something got her laughing she didnt stop until she was red in the face, and everyone else couldnt help but join in. Going to your house in the summer to swim (once I overcame my allergy to the "blue water", which she loved to remind me about) and catch fireflies are some of my favorite childhood memories. My heart breaks for all of you, and for everyone that was lucky enough to know what a beautiful person she was. 🤍

The Burke Family and Christ Family "merged" when Christina and Michael became engaged and then husband and wife.  It seemed as if we had all known each other forever.

Mary, I will miss you so much, and will think of you always.  Rich, Christina, Mike, Richie and Erin I will be here for you as long as I am on God's good, green earth.

And Mary, when Jackson wants to play "Duck, Duck Goose, like we did at Richies home,  I will make sure I get tired enough for the both of us!  

Love to all of you and to our special Guardian Angel, Mary, that will be watching over us always.

Mary was always such a sweet and loving person. She treated all of us girls like family and kept up with all of the things going on in our lives. My favorite memories are the stories she’d tell us about how Christina would do things when she was younger and scare her (sometimes on purpose and sometimes not). They were so funny and it makes sense that Christina tells hilarious stories too. Mary had a warmth to her that only a wonderful mother could have.  Her loss is felt by all of us. God Bless you Mary.

Christina and I were best friends when we were kids. I think I was at her house at least once a week if not more. You always felt so welcome in their home. Not like a visitor, but just another member of the family.  The amount of meals, sleepovers (where Mary would holler for us to keep it down repeatedly because we were always giggling), birthday parties full of laughter, New Years Eve parties (where Mary taught us how to play No Peeky Baseball and thousands of other games all while serving up good food and laughter); there are too many to count. I also remember every time we were in the car and she passed a church, she’d touch the rosary beads she had hanging from her rear view mirror. She also taught me the word keloid, oh I know that’s so random. But whenever I hear the word I have always thought of Mary. This family was such a huge part of my life as a child. My heart is broken for you all. Mary was an amazing person inside and out and I feel so grateful to have known her. Love to you all!

My favorite memories of Mary when she first started dating Richie...we hung out at the gas station...go figure!  Be at rest now. You will be forever remembered for you kindness and your big heart.❤️

So many wonderful memories with your mom, but I absolutely loved celebrating at her 60th surprised ET party! She had such an infectious laugh that would make the whole room start laughing. I remember that no matter what the occasion was, she was always so excited and happy for you and your family. She loved you all SO much, and I’m going to miss her dearly ❤️

Mary is my dearest loving friend, “sister “ who I will miss so much. 
To her family. I am so heartbroken over the loss of your mom and I will always be here forever Rest in Eternal Peace Mary 
I will always keep you in my heart
Until I see you again 🙏💔😭
10-19-24

OBITUARY

Mary Irene Burke

March 18, 1956 – October 19, 2024

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

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