Sincere Condolences on the Passing of Mary D. Burke

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Mary D. Burke, the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Burke for 50 wonderful years, and the cherished mother of Mary White and her husband, Bill, Michael Burke and his late wife, Diane, our friend and colleague, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke and his wife, Bea, and Thomas Burke and his wife, Sherry Weitzen; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Town of West Warwick, Mrs. Burke was the loving daughter of the late John and Helen Bannon, and the sister of Eleanor Keating, Sally Graham, and the late John Bannon, Jr., James Bannon, and George Bannon. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Elizabeth Bannon and many dear nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Mrs. Bannon had been employed in the field of healthcare where she had worked as a lab technician at Kent Hospital and the former Stat Lab, Inc. Her leadership, devotion to others, and dedication to her profession had resulted in her promotion to Director before her retirement in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Burke and her husband had created and nurtured a marriage that flourished, a life rooted in faith, love, and service to their community, and a home that was warm and welcoming. She doted on her family, particularly her grandchildren, Emma, Burke, Aiden, Ethan, and Phoebe White; Billie Anne Burke; Terrance, Matthew, and Bryana Burke; and her nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her immense joy; and

WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Burke had been an active communicant of SS. Peter and Paul Church, where she served for many years as Chairwoman of the parish’s cherished Christmas Bazaar, as well as serving as President of the SS. Peter & Paul Rosary & Altar Guild. She had previously been a parishioner of St. James Parish; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community, Mrs. Burke had been a member of the Red Hat Society, served on the West Warwick Democratic Town Committee, and held a position on the West Warwick Senior Center Board; and

WHEREAS, Mary Burke possessed a vibrant spirit, generous heart, and sharp wit and there is no doubt touched the lives and left an indelible mark on those she knew and loved, and she will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Mary D. Bruke; and be it further RESOLED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mary White and Family, Michael Burke and Family, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke and Family, and Thomas Burke and Family.