Biography

Mary P. Burke of Lewes, previously of Alexandria, VA, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at her residence, Cadbury At Lewes. Ms. Burke was born March 4, 1924 in Alexandria, VA, daughter of the late John S. and Helen (Sampson) Burke.

Ms. Burke was raised in Alexandria, VA graduating from St. Mary's Academy. After high school, she attended Washington, DC School of Business in the early 1940's with a degree in accounting. Ms. Burke enjoyed a 36 year career with the American Red Cross in Alexandria. After retiring she moved to Lewes, DE to share a home with her sister Florence M. Burke who preceded her in death in 2004. Following her sister's death, Ms. Burke moved to Cadbury At Lewes where she made many friends. She was a loved member of the community. Ms. Burke was a member of St. Jude The Apostle Catholic church. She was a loving niece, cousin and friend to many; she will be missed by all.

The family would like to extend a note of gratitude to the very caring staff at Cadbury At Lewes who saw to Ms. Burke's needs during her three year residency.

Ms. Burke is survived by her aunt, Anita Sampson of Simsbury, CT; and many cousins: Jill Nixa and husband David of Atlantic Beach, FL; Kirsten Sabia and husband Barry of Atlantic Beach, FL; Courtney Boyd and husband Nathan of Aspen, CO; Parker Ashleigh Boyd of Aspen, CO; Katherine Nixa of Burbank, CA; Joshua Nixa of Enfield, CT; John Sampson and wife Beth of Henderson, NV; Michael Sampson of Las Vegas, NV; Andrea Sampson of St. Paul, MN; Michael Burke Moore of Medford, OR; Dennis W. Moore of Huntington Beach, CA; Shirley Ramey of Warrenton, VA; and Ashby Owen of Alexandria, VA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at 11:00 AM, at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, DE Route 1 North of Five Points, Lewes, DE. There will be no calling hours. There will be a Graveside Service on Friday, July 2, 2010, 12:00 noon at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-4012. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 4002018, DesMoines, IA 50340-2018 (www.americanredcross.org)

Please sign online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday July 1, 2010, 11:00 AM at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions

Graveside Service

Friday July 2, 2010, 12 Noon at Ivy Hill Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions

FLORAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE DELIVER FLOWERS TO LEWES CHAPEL ON WEDNESDAY BY 3 PM.