While in nursing school at Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, Mary met John “Jack” Burke from Wichita KS while he was stationed in the Navy in New Orleans. Mary graduated from Charity Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.
Mary and Jack were married On May 31, 1955, in Mobile, Alabama, and celebrated a loving 52 years until his passing in 2008. Mary dedicated her life to her family, church, and career as an R.N. at St. Joseph Hospital from 1957 until her first retirement in 1997.
To continue her nursing mission of helping and healing people, as she would light heartedly put for 68 years, “ I’m going to help save lives and stamp out disease”, Mary enjoyed working with Dr. Alberto Carro and Dr. Robert Sweet in their medical office. Mary also valued continuing education and earned her master’s from Friends University.
When not doing her several daily crossword puzzles or playing video solitaire, or staying caught up on her favorite soap, The Young and the Restless, Mary spent time with her family and many hours volunteering. Family and volunteering was a huge part of her life, and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.
Mary started volunteering at the Mayflower Clinic and then became an integral part of the clinic’s success, known by many as the “Matriarch of the Mayflower Clinic”.
As a dedicated and devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mary was a volunteer of St. Vincent DePaul; St. Joseph Conference. Mary was well known by most of the parishioners and a friend to everyone.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, children Chris Burke, Cheryl Julian, Steve Burke, Judy Saxton, brother James Hilburn, and sister Joan Smith. She is survived by her children Bob Burke, and Janet (Brian) Wilhite, Daughter-in-law Sharon Burke and Son-in-law Randy Julian, as well as numerous Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren.
A Recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Florence Nightingale Tribute will be at 7 PM Friday, January 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 132 S. Millwood, Wichita, KS. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A burial will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory’s Cemetery located at 11800 W. HWY 54, Wichita, KS.
The luncheon will be after the burial back at the St. Joseph Parish Hall in the Parish Center across the street from the school.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Society (St. Joseph Catholic Church) 132 S. Millwood, Wichita, KS 67213, St. Joseph Conference (St. Joseph Catholic Church) 132 S. Millwood, Wichita, KS 67213, or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, [email protected]
