We sing this last song for you, Mama.

With much Love, Respect and Appreciation.

From your 5 girls.

Dear Mama,

Thank You ~ and We Love You Very Much!

Bob/Kat/Pat

Mama,

I'll be seeing you in my dreams...

Your Loving Daughter

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in Her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here She comes!"
 


With Much Love,
Kathleen Ann

As Mother is being remembered this Mother's Day, there is no doubt she is lovingly watching over all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Recently, Eileen and I were sharing how Mama would give all her kids cod-liver oil in orange juice…adding a touch of sweet to something that is bitter.  That's what Mothers do…whether it's medicine - or when life delivers something bitter, Moms add a little something sweet, so it's easier to take.

For her grandchildren, great-grands and for those to come, all can take comfort in knowing that there is now a special Guardian Angel to watch over them.

Your Loving Daughter,
Kathy

The Matriarch of our family lived 93+ years…authentic, vibrant and courageous years.  April 28th marks one year since Mother was Gracefully received into Heaven.
Just weeks before her passing, Mama maintained her sense of humor and Lovingly continued with her earthly mission as Mother, Teacher and Helper.

More often lately, I wonder how Mama managed so much…with Nine children.
Dad provided for us – left for work very early, at times returned home for lunch and would grocery shop at Schwegmann's.
Mama considered herself a Homemaker and always wanted a large family.  She accomplished that - 9 kids from infant – to toddler – to pre-teen – to teenage. 

If she was tired or not feeling well, I never knew it.  I never heard a comment or complaint about the work that was necessary to maintain home and family.  She went about her work…Her Right Work. We didn't have modern conveniences growing up in the Irish Channel.  I recall the wringer washing machine and having to hang clothes on the line outside to dry – and racing to bring them inside when it started to rain. At night, Mama would iron khaki school uniforms and rise early to prepare a hot breakfast and brown-bag our school lunches. 

Mother was also active outside the home and was fond of sports. She played League softball - catcher and shortstop, she preferred shortstop – and yes, the kids were at the games, too.

Wondering even now, how She accomplished so much with no outside help, assistance from relatives or community.  This was Her work, her priority and responsibility – being a Homemaker and rearing her children. 

Before Her marriage, Mother was a proud waitress at the Hotel Pontchartrain and would reminisce about her job there and the people she worked with.  It wasn't all work for Mama – She took pleasure in preparing for the many celebrations at our home, the gathering place for birthdays, holidays, parties and on Sundays for family time – the whole family – brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews, nieces, grandchildren…all filled the home on Sundays… and on Mondays, Mama would clean the house, maybe do some laundry and would put on a pot of red beans and rice…Nice.

In her later years, Mother shared memories of her Grandfather Patrick (the one with the corn-cob pipe), Grandmother Elizabeth, (who she referred to as an Angel), and our Dad.  While visiting with Mama at the nursing home, She described in detail, when Mom and Dad were newlyweds, how she would ride along with Dad on his bread route. She enjoyed picnics with Dad in the early years of their marriage and later when kids entered the picture, the tradition continued.  

We were taught the usual manners and “Please and Thank You”, to be polite and greet people with a smile… and we were reminded when we didn't.  Writing Thank You notes or a phone call to acknowledge gifts was also expected. 
I recall being schooled on table etiquette and place settings and to “Respect your Elders” and “play nice”.

In my adolescence and into adulthood, I witnessed Mama's generosity and helping hand toward others, doing what She could for someone needing a little extra help.  I noticed how often she would offer a kind word or welcoming smile to people, including those she didn't know.  Mother was kind and charming and helpful even in Her last years, months and weeks. 

With advancing age and declining health, she remained generous - and focused on the health and well-being of her family, her 9 children, grandchildren and great-grands.
In 2010 during a nursing home visit, I brought a wishbone so Mama and I could have a “wishbone pull”…  She won.  Mom wished that my wish would come true.
  
Years before the nursing home and hospice, Mama, at times, would read the Obits in the newspaper and this quote rang true for her – I don't know who gets the credit, but She claimed it as ‘Rita's Words of Wisdom':
“When this container breaks down and the Spirit wants to soar Freely, it is a Liberation to pass away.”

The evening before Mother transitioned into Heaven, I stepped away from her bedside to take a walk outside. I watched the white clouds and massive blue sky and noticed a Ladybug on the grass. I later learned that the Ladybug / beetle signifies Renewal and is linked with the Blessed Mother and all Mothers and is a reminder to Let Go and Let God. 
Since that time, Ladybugs just show up for me!  Returning home from work one day, a ladybug appeared and landed on my kitchen counter - and while visiting my sister's home, a ladybug on the front door and on the back. Thank You Heaven! 

For years, Mother had a ritual of lighting candles in church.  Today, candles were lit in churches to pay tribute to you, Mama. 

So… those ‘Thank You' notes you encouraged me to write to acknowledge a gift, well... this one is for You, Mama.  Thank You Mother, Teacher, Helper. 
I Love You.

Rita Frances Theresa Ricker Burke, Happy Welcome Home Day, April 28th.

Tomorrow is my birthday - and nine months ago today, Mama peacefully transitioned into Heaven.  
I will miss her phoning me to sing Happy Birthday - but I have a feeling I'll be receiving a message from Mama tomorrow...What a long-distance call That's going to be...
Gratefully and Lovingly,
Kathy

While visiting with my Mother one evening, just two weeks before making her peaceful Transition into Heaven, she asked, "What are we doing tomorrow?" Even though she was drifting off to sleep, Mama was planning to be with "the girls" - her daughters.  As Mom continued planning to be with her girls the next day, she stated: "It will be a happy day tomorrow".
It was a delight to listen as she prepared for the next day's outing, because it was giving her Joy looking forward to being with her daughters.  We enjoyed Mama's company too and her quick-witted sense of humor.  I have fond memories of our get-togethers, sharing stories and laughs and ice cream and the latest family news.

Mama always wanted a large family.  Being with her family was most important to Mama, especially in her later years.  Being with family and making sure her children were "OK".

I treasure the times I visited with my Mother. Even with and through all the trials of her diagnosis and those many challenges of residing in the nursing home, I valued the times we shared.  I was a witness to her inner strength, her determination and her unending caring and helpfulness toward so many...and of course, her humor.  On so many levels, She continued teaching me and Mothering me through it all.

During one of those visits, I let her know how much I appreciated her and her efforts as a homemaker and Mother, rearing nine children. It's a mystery how Mom and Dad managed it all - for all those years - for us.

YES, I AM BLESSED AND I FEEL LOVED, having RITA FRANCES THERESA RICKER BURKE as my Mother here on Earth and my guardian Angel in Heaven.

The "girls" know that at the next picnic, lunch or gathering, Mama is right along with us as we're sharing stories, eating ice cream and talking about the latest family news... and who knows... She may have even planned it! 

WE LOVE YOU, MAMA



MAMA,

I MISS YOU EVERY DAY, BUT I AM RELIEVED THAT YOU ARE FINALLY FREE!

YOU ARE FREE OF PAIN, ANXIETY AND TORMENT. 
NO MORE WAITING ROOMS, DOCTORS AND MEDS.
NO MORE SCARY SHOTS IN YOUR EYE.
NO MORE WAITING SIX HOURS IN THE ER FOR GRUELING TESTS AND X-RAYS.
NO MORE BEING SUBJECTED TO THE CRUELTIES AND INDIGNITIES OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE.
NO MORE ROAMING ALL NIGHT AT COLONIAL OAKS LOOKING FOR YOUR HUSBAND AND FAMILY.

MOST IMPORTANT, NOBODY CAN NEVER, NEVER, EVER HURT YOU AGAIN!

MAMA, YOU ARE HOME NOW.

MAY LOVE, PEACE AND SERENITY ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.

It has been over two months since my Mother passed.  I miss her laugh; her sense of humor; and the way she cared about us.  If she is not already in heaven, I pray that she get there soon.

I love you, Mama.

Mike and Marion,

Thinking of you on your mother's death. May all the good memories console you at this time. I'm very sorry for your lose.
Evie

Kathleen, my prayers are with your mother, and with all of your family and friends who are feeling her absence. What a wonderful photo tribute here to her life as well.

DEAR KATHY AND FAMILY , THANK YOU FOR CALLING AND LETTING ME KNOW ABOUT YOUR MOM__I AM SO SORRY ABOUT HER PASSING . I PRAY THAT SHE WENT PEACEFULLY , AND I KNOW THAT SHE IS IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD , SUFFERING NO LONGER !
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS LOSS . 
                       SINCERELY , BONNIE GARTLAND

So sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Rita.  Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of her family.  God Bless.

Mike and Marion, We are so sorry to hear
of your Mother's death. We just learned
about the arrangements today and are so
sorry we missed coming to support you
and your Family. Our sincere sympathies
are with you All.
Dolores and Philip

Mike - We were sorry to hear about your mother's passing - please accept our sincere sympathy and know that you and your family are in our prayers.  Tom and Betsy Nolan

I was so sorry to hear of Mrs.Rita's passing, Mrs. Rita was my Grandmother's roomate at Colonial, she was always waiting for her husband to come and take her home. Now they are both home, together. May you rest in peace Mrs. Rita.
Eileen Andry, Mercedes Andrys Grandaughter

my deepest condolences to the entire extended Burke family at this difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Maw-Maw will always be remembered and in our hearts.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rita Frances Theresa Ricker Burke

4 novembre 1919 – 28 avril 2013

Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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