Mary Elizabeth Burke (Fitzgerald), 90, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.Mary was born in Torrington, Wyo., on Jan. 22, 1930 and attended school in Torrington. She graduated from St. Joe’s Nursing School in Denver in 1950. After graduation, Mary worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Alliance, Neb.
She married Bernard Burke on Oct. 29, 1955 in Alliance’s St. Agnes Chapel. The couple’s first home was his parents’ homestead, a baled hay house.
A devoted mother and homemaker, Mary enjoyed spending time with family, making scotch-a-roos and cooking chicken and noodles. Visiting grandchildren knew the freezer — “ice box” as Mary called it — was well-stocked with homemade treats. She enjoyed gardening, watching her roses bloom and reading. The holidays were a special time for Mary as she enjoyed the Burke family’s gatherings and traditions.
She will be greatly missed by her surviving family, including her children: Kathie (Jim) Phillip of Torrington, Tom (Gail) Burke of Alliance, Ed (Dixie) Burke of Alliance and Irene (Terry) Heinle of Winner, S.D.
Mary doted on her eight grandchildren: Nick (Katrina) Phillip, Brittany (Mark) Feagler, Cody Phillip, Shelbee Burke, Christy (Darren) Jelinek, Jamie (Owen) Burnett, Lexie Heinle and Jordyn Heinle. Mary’s nine great-grandchildren include Lily and Jack Phillip; Maddux and Claire Feagler; Kealee, Kenley, Danny and Delaney Jelinek; and Farrington Burnett.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard Burke, son James Burke and parents, Martin and Hattie Fitzgerald.
Mary’s funeral service will be held Monday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance. Father Tim Stoner will officiate and inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Academy in Alliance and the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.