Mary Helen Burke
Age 94 of Pontiac, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Born October 28, 1923 in Pontiac, Mary Helen was the daughter of Samuel Perrin (S.P.) and Mary (Nolan) Bradley. She was raised and educated in Pontiac; attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Pontiac Township High School with the class of 1941. Mary Helen went on to attend the Gallagher School of Business in Kankakee and after completing the two year program, gained employment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago. She was later introduced to John R. Burke who had just returned home from his honorable service in the war. On June 3, 1946 they were married in Pontiac, and together bought a home and raised their family.
Mary Helen happily took on the role as homemaker, but also worked as office manager for Burke Service Cleaning and Pest Control. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society, as well as the Catholic Women Society. In her free time she enjoyed collecting stamps and postcards and would never miss the Wednesday afternoon bridge game with her friends. Mary Helen's favorite times were always spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her children: Michael P. Burke, James B. Burke and Kathleen M. Burke all of Chicago; grandchildren: Joanna C. Fief (Steven) of Massachusetts, Megan A. Bowman (Matt) of Minnesota, Kyle P. Burke, Mary Kate Burke and Liam J. Burke all of Pontiac; as well as three great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John on May 21, 1999; son: John Kevin and brothers: William N. Bradley and Phillip N. Bradley.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 119 E. Howard Street in Pontiac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. with Father David Sabel presiding.
Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac, where Mary Helen will be laid to rest with her late husband. Pallbearers will be: Mike Heenan, Paul Krieghauser, Terry LeGris, Joe List, Steve Smith, and Glen Zehr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Mary Helen's memory to St. Mary's School.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Mary Helen’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)
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