Mary Ellen Burke

Mary Ellen Burke, age 90, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Legacy of the Northwoods Assisted Living in Eagle River, WI. She was born November 28, 1933, in Cheboygan, MI, the daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Bowman) Jewell. She attended Mackinaw City High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. Mary Ellen married Robert “Frenchie” V. Burke on December 8, 1951, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Mackinaw City, MI, and the couple celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2013. Robert preceded her in death on January 21, 2014. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Agnes Altar Society, and was a former member of the Lady Elks. She enjoyed reading, knitting, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Mary Ellen is survived by her sons, Robert “Buddy” Burke of Iron River, MI and Michael (Lisa) Burke of Minocqua, WI; daughters, Patsy (George) Peterson of Crystal Falls, MI and Kelly (Lester) Uren of Iron River, MI; sister-in-law, Arline Jewell of Comstock Park, MI; brothers-in law, Alfred Burke of McMinnville, TN and Edward Burke of Madison, WI; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; lifelong friends, Don and Darlene Powell; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Robert, Fred, and David Jewell; son-in-law, Gary Tass; daughter-in-law, Lynn Burke; grandson, Michael Robert Burke; brothers-in-law, William and James Burke and Bob Symmonds; sisters-in-law, Marion Jewell, Marylee Symmonds, Celeste Jewell, Helen Burke, and Marlene Burke; and also Cameron Lewis and Brienne Donati. A visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. a St. Agnes Catholic Church with Rev. Danile Fosu to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery in the spring. A special thank you to Kristy and staff at Legacy of the Northwoods of Eagle River for their love, care, and devotion in making a wonderful home for Mary Ellen. She loved you all. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Ellen Burke, please visit our flower store.