Mary Eileen Burke

September 14, 1950 – Oct. 28, 2022

Former Chicago resident Mary Eileen Burke (72) died on Oct. 28, 2022, in Omaha, Nebraska. A private family ceremony will be held in Omaha.

Mary Eileen was born September 14, 1950, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Ray & Peg Burke, and grew up in Chicago.

Mary Eileen was a loving daughter, sister, and friend who was known for her insatiable sense of humor. At her heart, she was an artist. As a young adult, she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, carefully honing her talent and producing some cherished family treasures. She received her B.S. in Education with an Art Major from Chicago State University and spent many years teaching. She considered it a particular honor to have taught art at her alma mater, Aquinas Dominican High School in Chicago.

In 2014, Mary Eileen moved to Salina, Kansas, to be closer to family, as she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The disease progressed, and in 2016 she was moved to a facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Her three siblings, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews who reside in Omaha, were fortunate to have had her in their lives these past few years.

She is survived by 7 siblings: Joe, Peggy (Dan), Hebert, Trink, DeeDee (Tony), Braunstein, Jean Marie, Ray (Connie), and John (Joanie).

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 11AM, at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 S 118th St, Omaha.

To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the homepage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joslyn Art Museum in honor of Mary Eileen at https://www.joslyn.org/support/donate-ways-to-give/tribute-gifts/