Obituary: The late Mary Burke

The late Mary Burke (née Donnelly), who died on Tuesday October 8, was an esteemed and long-serving nurse at Mullingar hospital and was the mother of Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Mrs Burke, who passed away peacefully at the age of 83, was widely respected in the community for her dedication to her profession, her kindness, and her unyielding care for those around her.

Born in 1941, Mary grew up in Kilmore, near Carrick-on-Shannon, and on leaving school opted to pursue a career in nursing, securing a training place at Oldchurch Hospital in Romford in the UK.

As she began her journey to the UK to take up her training place, Mary was instructed to meet with two other young trainees at Mullingar with the intention that the three would travel together. The two were Virginia Bohan, from Roscommon, and Hilda Burke, from Mullingar, and they became lifelong friends.

As it was to turn out, through Hilda, Mary met her future husband, Hilda’s brother Peter Burke, and the two were married in 1980.

On returning to Ireland, Mary took up a position at Mullingar hospital, where she worked for more than three decades. Throughout her long and distinguished career, she rose through the ranks to manage the hospital’s surgical theatre, a role in which she excelled due to her unparalleled work ethic and compassion for her patients.

Former colleagues fondly remember Mary for her sense of responsibility and her steadfast commitment to patient care. Her practical approach to nursing, combined with a firm belief in putting patients first, earned her the admiration of both peers and those she cared for.

Mary’s devotion extended beyond her professional life. A woman of deep faith, she was actively involved in her parish, and she served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. Her spiritual commitment was a cornerstone of her life, and she faithfully attended Holy Hour weekly.

In her personal life, Mary enjoyed a range of hobbies and interests. She was an avid follower of sports, particularly the GAA and horse racing, passions that she shared with her family. She spent many happy summers attending race meetings with her husband.

She was fond of music and also interested in current affairs, and she read a newspaper every day.

In addition to her professional life, Mary was devoted to her family, taking great delight in her son Peter and his wife, Olivia, and their two children, Leo, born in 2015, and Ted, who followed in 2019. For Mary, her grandchildren were a source of happiness and a new lease on life, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

As well as by Peter and his family, she is survived by her sister Theresa Ryan; her sisters-in-law Doreen Burke, Betty Shaw, Pauline Welch, Mary Geoghegan, Olive Geraghty and Hilda McQuaid; her brothers-in-law Edmund, Denis, Philip and John; her nieces, nephews and other relatives, and she is fondly remembered by her good neighbours and many friends, especially her former colleagues at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar.

Mary’s remains reposed at Gilsenan’s Funeral Home prior to removal to the Cathedral of Christ the King where they were greeted by Fr Barry White. Most of the senior ministers and many other leading politicians attended, while An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, sent his aide de camp.

It was also Fr White who celebrated the funeral Mass and following the Mass, Mary’s remains were interred at Walshestown Cemetery.