Annie Hilda “Mary” Burke (nee Misken), age 91, passed away at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Oakville, Ont. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024.

Born Jan. 22, 1933 at Springhill, N.S., Mary was the daughter of Michael and Rosina Misken (Hahnen). Mary is survived by her husband, John, and by daughters Debbie (the late George Elliott), Diane and Donna. She is also survived by a sister, Helen Burke, as well as nephews and nieces: Mike (Deb) Burke, Wayne (Catherine) Burke, Steve (Vicki) Burke, Paul (Vera) Burke, Ken Burke, David (Iris) Burke, Michelle (Stephen) Osmond, Kevin (Cindey) Misken, Peter Misken Jr.,  Darlene Devison and Ross Thibodeau. She is also survived by special family friend Yolande Gothreau. Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother, Peter (Pat Casey).

Following graduation from St. John Baptist High School in Springhill, Mary attended the Highland View Hospital School of Nursing in Amherst as well as the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Que. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1954, the same year that she married Flying Officer John (Joe) Burke, who was stationed at RCAF Greenwood where they took up residence for the next four years. Mary especially enjoyed her nursing time spent in Obstetrics and Pediatrics.

Mary's kindness and generosity along with the warmth of her beautiful smile and great laugh will be forever remembered. Mary's love of life was definitely revealed when she was singing and dancing. She was just unable to remain still when music was playing!

Mary's passion for curling resulted in the winning of significant curling events. As a sports enthusiast, she was an active competitor in figure skating, golf and softball. Mary also enjoyed playing card games such as bridge and gin rummy with her family and friends. Another family- oriented hobby that spanned 30 years was the breeding, training and racing of their Standardbred racehorses (harness) with Joe and the girls. Besides being the "World's Best Mom," Mary definitely excelled at cooking and so many artistic endeavours.

A dedicated wife of 70+ years, Annie and John celebrated this special occasion this past August. They were the recipients of a Congratulatory Scroll and Apostolic Blessing from The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton plus special greetings from St. Dominic Parish, Oakville and All Saints Parish, Amherst, N.S.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and guidance of Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home at 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, ON L6K 1E1. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Dominic's Parish on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Interment will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Mary can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Tributes and sharing of memories may be sent to the family by visiting Mary's online memorial at koprivataylor.com.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mary Burke.