Helen Burke

Helen Marie Burke, 90, of Kansas City, MO passed away on September 27, 2012. Graveside services will be 11 am on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Lee’s Summit Cemetery.


Helen Marie Burke was born on March 9, 1922 in Hannibal, MO. She was the daughter of Thomas and Elsie (Miller) Davis. She married L. Charles Burke on October 7, 1941 in Hannibal, MO. They were introduced by Charles’s sister and met at a basketball game. They connected and talked about how young men and ladies should treat each other and from that meeting they knew they were meant for each other. Charles mailed her wedding ring from California and then went AWOL during his service time to come back home to marry Helen. During the War years Helen delayed having children because Charles didn’t think it was right to have a child while he was overseas. On July 24, 1947 they were blessed with a daughter, Charlene Marie. They loved attending the American Royal and had been exhibitors since 1950. They purchased their one and only home on Applewood Drive in 1950 where she they would make their family home. Charles worked hard and had several heart attacks. In 1967 at the age of 49 Charles died of a heart attack while on the job. He was a switchman foreman with the Kansas City Terminal Railway company. Their neighbors Art and Virginia took Helen down the rail yard to see her husband. It was a difficult time for Helen and Charlene. Charlene was finishing up her nursing degree and the family was so proud of her. Charles was able to see Charlene’s nursing graduation photo, since they took the picture a year earlier. Charlene asked her Mom not to invite friends to her graduation in 1968 and for her not to cry. Helen as we know had a strong spirit and was fiercely independent. Her backyard neighbor was the Superintendent of Schools and his wife suggested that Helen work at the School Cafeteria after Charles first heart attack. Charles suffered three heart attacks. She cooked at the school for 20 years at the CA Burke and Irving Jr. High. Helen’s specialties were baking and vegetables. During the summer months when school was out of session she cooked at Unity in Lee’s Summit and made fresh pies with fruit provided from the orchards on the grounds. Charlene and Helen enjoyed traveling together. They visited Graceland, the home of Lawrence Welk, but never made it to see “The Duke”. The Applewood Drive neighbors had been her extended family over the years and we also remember Ester and Virginia in our prayers and thank Art and Corny for being good neighbors. After Charlene passed away on December 22, 2009 Shadow the Cat became a constant companion for Helen. It became very evident when Helen was at the Hospital that Shadow dearly missed her. Shadow would normally run and hide when visitors came, but with Helen not there Shadow would meow and meow and want to be petted and loved. We know Helen loved and cared for Shadow. Helen’s passing was difficult on her, but we keep the faith in knowing that she is with her husband and her daughter and she is free of pain and is walking in the light of the Lord.