Margaret Lois Jenkins Burke

MARGARET LOIS (JENKINS) BURKE, 81, of Fort Wayne, died on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born Oct. 19, 1929, in New Bedford, Mass., she was the daughter of Granville and Doris Jenkins. She was raised on Cuttyhunk Island., Mass. She and her husband, Frederick recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Together they raised six children, Janine (David) Conder of Chicago, Joanne (Rick, deceased) Seaman and Patricia Pantello, both of Fort Wayne, Michael (Janie) Burke of Dallas, Andrew (Chris) Burke and Andrea (Matt) Hartzog, both of Chicago. She graduated from Bridgewater State College, Mass. and taught physical education before starting her family in 1955. In 1957, she and her family moved to Fort Wayne where she lived out the rest of her life. Margaret taught Weekly Religious Education classes with the Associated Churches for several years after her children were grown. In addition to devoting her life to her family, she was a dedicated volunteer for numerous organizations including the local chapter of the March of Dimes (co-chair), Forest Park Elementary School PTA, North Side High School Music Boosters, Girl Scouts, and Forest Park United Methodist Church Sunday School. Her favorite past times included sewing, gardening, ceramics, playing Bridge, making puzzles, and bicycling. Her greatest joy came from loving, supporting, encouraging, and caring for her husband, children and grandchildren. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren who adored her; sister, Mary (Philip, deceased) Bisson; and a niece, Lois Bisson of Clinton, Mass. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, at the funeral home. Private burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana, c/o Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.