Sister Mary Ann ND 5552 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Brigid)
Mary Ann Burke
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: August 11, 1942 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: January 3, 1963 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: October 4, 2024 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: October 11, 2024 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
Mary Ann, the second of five children born to Stephen and Anna Mae (Connors) Burke, characterized herself as being an extremely active, happy and fun-loving child. From early on she learned to appreciate the deep faith and strength of her parents and their Irish ancestry. The blessing of family and the reliance on God’s presence in the joys and adversities of life were gifts. Her school years at Holy Cross Elementary School in Euclid and then at Regina High School in South Euclid were filled with friends and participation in many activities. She loved all of life, and her life. Mary Ann’s deeply rooted devotion to Our Lady led her to recognize and respond to God’s call to become a Sister of Notre Dame. Mary Ann became a postulant in July 1960 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Brigid.
For the next thirty years Sister Mary Ann dedicated herself to the ministry of food service. She served at the Chardon provincial house and at Notre Dame Academy in Chardon as well as NDA in Middleburg, Virginia. The sisters and students, especially those in the boarding schools, came to love her ready smile, great sense of humor and welcoming spirit. She spent many hours in the kitchen preparing meals and listening to all who came to visit. She spread joy when celebrating and interacting with others, always with gentle kindness and respect.
The year 1994 marked a major transition in Sr. Mary Ann’s life. After prayerful discernment, she felt God was calling her to a new ministry and made the decision to begin studies at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, eventually receiving an associate degree in pastoral ministry. In the following years, Sister earned certification in senior adult ministry, bereavement ministry and the ministry of consolation. In 2006 she received certification as a spiritual director from the Ignatian Spirituality Institute. Sister wrote, “The joy of being able to be with God’s good people is truly a blessing and a gift for me.” She enjoyed many opportunities to facilitate retreats and provide spiritual direction. “My individual directees have provided me with a wealth of inspiration and joy as they share their lives with me, and I see their growth in God’s love and grace.” Lasting relationships and friendships were formed.
Persistent prayer to Our Lady and trust in God helped Sister Mary Ann to face difficult and challenging situations in ministry and her own physical health. In the early morning hours of October 4, she suffered a massive stroke and was taken to the hospital where it was determined no treatment would be helpful. Sister returned to the Health Care Center and was welcomed into eternity just an hour later. Her sudden and unexpected death was a gift to this prayerful, faithful and dynamic woman who treasured life. May Sister Mary Ann now rejoice in the fulness of eternal life.
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