Margaret Ann (Marnie) Burke

Margaret Ann “Marnie” Burke, 83, of Topeka, died April 30, 2008 at Midland Hospice House.

She was born in Richmond, California on December 13, 1924 the daughter of John A. and Anna Marie (Grierson) Burke. 

Marnie was a 1947 graduate of St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth where she received a degree in Home Economics.  She worked for the Gas Service Company in Kansas City and Topeka.

She owned and operated the Smart Maternity Shop in Topeka for nine years with her partner Sheila Radell.  Marnie also worked for Billie’s Ladies Dress Shop and the Walking Tall Boutique.

Marnie loved to travel (especially to Ireland), was an avid bridge player, and a gourmet cook who entertained and hosted many gatherings at her home.

She was a volunteer for many years at St. Francis Hospital where she was recognized for more than 10,000 hours as a continuing volunteer. 

Marnie was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503, Jeffersonian Club and the American Business Women’s Association.

Marnie was preceded in death by a brother John G. Burke in 1928, her father in 1942 and her mother in 1975.  She is survived by three cousins; Clayton Burke and wife Suzanne of Downingtown, PA., Franklin Burke and wife Elizabeth of Doylestown, PA.,   Barbara Burke of Everett, WA., her life-long extended family friends Margaret (Peg) and Robert Eaneman of El Cerrito, CA., loving care-giver and friends, Shirley and Bill Engelken of Topeka, and many other close friends from her lifetime in Topeka.

Marnie will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Sunday after 2:00 p.m. where a Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle Rosary will be at 4:00 p.m. and a Parish Rosary at 5:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care Inc. or Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.