Margaret Burke

The death has taken place at Mayo General Hospital of Margaret Burke, Killawalla, a woman, who in her quiet, pleasant and unassuming way, formed many circles of friendships with those she met on her journey through life.

Daughter of the late Michael and Julia Gormley, Aughnish, Partry, Margaret grew up to appreciate the way mother nature assisted the farming community - from the sowing of the crops in the springtime until they were harvested in the fall.

After finishing her national school education, she worked for a period in Claremorris before taking up employment at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar. While working there she met John (Broddie) Burke from Killawalla and they were married on Feburary 8, 1975. The couple were blessed with their son, John whom they both cherished.

Howeve for Margaret and young John, a cloud of sadness enveloped their lives when Broddie died in 1980.

A very resourceful person, she was indeed a wonderful homemaker as she baked beautiful bread and cooked wholesome meals. She loved the occasions when people came to visit her in her home and she looked forward to the times when she made return visits.

She was a devoted to her Christian faith and regularly attended Mass and the Sacraments in her local church. For many years she was a devoted member of the Adoration team each Wednesday in Killawalla Church.

Ever day she loved to take her treasured two dogs for a walk along the nearby roads.

As her funeral left Killawalla Community Centre, a guard of honour was formed by members of the staff of Supervalu Supermarket and members of the local community. Her funeral was received into the church by Fr Noel Hession and Fr Jack Garvey. During the Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr Noel Hession, the lessons were read by Siobhan Murphy, Sheila Walsh and the Responsorial Psalm was sung by Sarah McEvilly. The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by Kevin Feeney, Andy Walsh, Chloe Feeney and Noel Byrne. Gifts, reflecting aspects of Margaret’s life, were carried to the altar by Peter and Jessica Murphy, Eileen Gormley, Carmel Feeney and John Burke. The post Communion reflection was read by her son, John.

In his homily, Fr Hession described Margaret well when he said “The importance of a life well lived is not to be found in monuments or public recognition; the importance is to be found in how that person related to others, how they treated others, the kind of person they were. When I think of Margaret I think of a warm, kind, patient and hard-working woman. I think of the tremendous love she showed throughout her life, her frequent visits to her sister, Mary, who was very ill, her concern for her neighbours and of course most especially her tremendous love for her son, John, of whom she was so proud. John, your mother relished every one of your achievements. She loved when you brought the news home and she always wanted you be happy. She wanted you to have the same love and happiness she had growing up in Aughnish.”

Her passing has left behind memories of a kind, caring, lady, a wonderful wife, mother, neighbour and friend. She will be indeed sadly missed by those who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Broddie; brother, Peter; sister, Mary; and brother-in-law, John Walsh.

Sincerest sympathy is extended to her son, John; sister-in-law, Eileen Gormley (Ballinrobe); nieces and nephews; and her many other relatives, neighbours and friends.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.