Patricia Burke Obituary

I met Pat Burke last year at Morgan Park High School. It was her last year teaching and my first year teaching at Morgan Park. She was always friendly and encouraging. I counted on being able to walk into the teacher's room and ask her advice about any difficult situation. She was a really neat lady! I wish she had had the time after retirement to do all of the interesting things she talked about during our lunch conversations. She made a tough year bearable on so many days! Thanks Pat!

I guess I was in one of the first classes with Miss Burke, and I still have a very firm grasp of Algebra because of her. She always managed to make me smile. She was a wonderful teacher and friend while I was at MPHS. She will be missed.

I was so saddened to hear the news of Pat Burke's passing. She was always such a ray of sunshine in the halls of Morgan Park H.S. even to those of us she did not have as students. To think of how many young minds she had a positive influence on should comfort her family greatly. She will be missed.

We would like to express our deepest sympathy on the death of Patricia to the Burke family. We have many pleasant childhood recollections of Sunday visits with the Burke family on Fairfield Avenue. The Burke sisters, especially Patricia, made these outings so much fun, that our hearts hold fond memories forty-some years later. We will remember you all in our prayers.

Our deepest sympathy to the Burke Family in the loss of their beloved Patricia. Pat’s extraordinary work at Morgan Park High School is a tribute to her family and especially to her father, who would have taken great pride in her commitment to the family’s profession.

Pat Burke was a jewel of Morgan Park High School. Talking to her always made my day brighter. She will truly be missed.

To one who made me smile each and every time I saw her. It was a pleasure to work with her.

I could not believe the news when I walked into school this morning. A person who taught me the ropes of teaching, made me laugh, made fun of me for being a Cubs fan, bought me a few "lemonades" at the Stadium Club, and generally made me smile any time I saw her, had passed away. Pat was definetly one of the most dedicated people I have ever known. She will be missed dearly, but her legacy, sense of humor, work ethic and commitment to teaching will live on forever in her students and co-workers.

I was saddened to hear of Ms. Burke's death. As her student in the late '70s, I found her to be a caring teacher who always took a genuine interest in her students and wanted to make learning fun (even for those of us who never thought math could be!). You will be missed, Ms. Burke.

Pat Burke was an outstanding teacher and taught one of our sons at Morgn Park High School. In addition to outstanding teaching, she participated in other activities as well such as being the sponsor for the Kiwanis Key Club for high school students. She was active in the community and worked extremely well with other staff members in addition to all of her students. She will be missed very much by the hundreds of persons who knew her.

Just last June, I was honoroed to speak of Pat at her retirement party. Below are excerpts of that speech. Pat was a wonderful teacher, colleague and friend. She will be greatly missed.

In the 33 years she spent at Morgan Park, Pat taught just about every math related subject, as well as psychology. Over the years, she worked with many principals and sponsored several groups—including the Flag Girls and Pom Pon Squad and the Key Club. Pat was also senior sponsor for 11 years, during which time she worked tirelessly in perhaps one of the most thankless jobs there is. Pat deservedly received the University of Chicago’s Blum-Kovler award for dedication above and beyond the call. Somewhere in these years, she also returned to school and earned a Masters in Administration at Chicago State.
For ten of the last 11 years, Pat worked in the program office. That often meant very late nights and many weekends, but the math and computer skills involved were right up Pat’s alley, and—as always—she worked hard and well.
Pat was also involved with the social committee for many years; as treasurer, it is she who sent the flowers when we were sick or when a loved one died; it was also she who cut the checks to honor weddings, babies and retirements. And it was Pat who gave countless hours to the often-frustrating task of running the retirement party and the always-joyous, creative (and usually hammy) task of honoring the retirees.
On behalf of the thousands of students and staff whom she touched throughout the last 34 years, thank you, Pat, for sharing your many gifts. Morgan Park was a better place because of you.

Pat, you were such a special part of life for me and my brother Daniel. As a high school student I appreciated your honesty and care in the classroom, and as a high school teacher I really enjoyed knowing you as peer. Daniel cherishes his memories of you as teacher and mentor, and will never forget your humor and kindness. Thank you for all you gave your friends and your students.

Ms. Burke was a great educator and wonderful person. She will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate enough to have her as a teacher. Ms. Burke made the classroom fun, made learning fun, a woman with endless patience. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.