Obituary of Mary Burke

"Laissez les bon temps rouler!" - Mary Lou Burke Mary Lou Burke was the daughter of Mary and Roger Kesterson. She was born in New Orleans, LA, and raised in Tulsa, OK. She passed away peacefully in the same Tulsa home that she and her husband built in 1950. After graduating from Central High School, Mary Lou moved to San Angelo, Texas to live with her beloved Aunt Nynette and Uncle William Taylor. She attended San Angelo Junior College and graduated from Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas. She was swept off her feet by Kenneth A. Burke, who she married in 1947. Together, they raised three sons; Tom, Kenneth and Byron. During this time, she was a founder and President of Park Terrace Garden Club and a member of First Church of Christ Scientist. With the prospect of an empty nest, Mary Lou sought out a new challenge in the late 1960's. She was hired by the State of Oklahoma as a case worker. This revealed a passion for helping people. Later, Mary Lou decided to go back to school. She earned her Master's Degree in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, TX. For the next 20 years, Mary Lou worked for the State of Texas in Austin developing programs and standards for geriatric care and protection of the elderly. She retired in San Angelo, TX in her "lagoon" front home before returning to Tulsa in 2001. Mary Lou enjoyed traveling and loved a good time with friends and family. She liked to entertain and welcome guests to her home for dinners and parties. She loved a party, the bigger the better. Mary Lou and her long-time friend Bart McDowell would celebrate each milestone birthday in different cities around the world with family and friends. Keeping her mind sharp by studying and playing Bridge, working word puzzles and reading voraciously, Mary Lou had a sharp intellect and a lively sense of humor. Mary Lou's 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren were a source of great delight and she enjoyed telling them stories about her life, each with a life lesson. Mary Lou's open, optimistic manner, loving heart and joyful soul have been a source of inspiration and a model for many. She is survived by her son Tom, his wife Karen, and children Laura Kresse and husband Bob, John Burke, Grant Burke, Angie Farrier, Cassidy Tandy, and Deon Berry, and husband Jeff; Kenneth Burke, his wife Debbie, and child Kenneth Burke, III; and Byron Burke, children Taylor Burke, his wife Rita, Thomas M. Burke, Clare Burke, and their mother Robbie. "Love you good" - Mary Lou Burke