SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY D. BURKE

S2003

2026 -- S 2003
========
LC003671
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY D. BURKE

Introduced By:
Senators Tikoian, Lawson, Raptakis, LaMountain, Britto, Felag, de la
Cruz, Euer, Patalano, and Quezada

Date Introduced:
January 08, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Mary D.
2
Burke, the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Burke for 50 wonderful years, and the cherished
3
mother of Mary White and her husband, Bill, Michael Burke and his late wife, Diane, our friend
4
and colleague, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke
5
and his wife, Bea, and Thomas Burke and his wife, Sherry Weitzen; and
6
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Town of West Warwick, Mrs. Burke was the
7
loving daughter of the late John and Helen Bannon, and the sister of Eleanor Keating, Sally
8
Graham, and the late John Bannon, Jr., James Bannon, and George Bannon. She also leaves
9
behind her sister-in-law Elizabeth Bannon and many dear nieces and nephews; and
10
WHEREAS, For many years, Mrs. Bannon had been employed in the field of healthcare
11
where she had worked as a lab technician at Kent Hospital and the former Stat Lab, Inc. Her
12
leadership, devotion to others, and dedication to her profession had resulted in her promotion to
13
Director before her retirement in 1995; and
14
WHEREAS, Mrs. Burke and her husband had created and nurtured a marriage that
15
flourished, a life rooted in faith, love, and service to their community, and a home that was warm
16
and welcoming. She doted on her family, particularly her grandchildren, Emma, Burke, Aiden,
17
Ethan, and Phoebe White; Billie Anne Burke; Terrance, Matthew, and Bryana Burke; and her
18
nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her immense joy; and
19
WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Burke had been an active communicant of SS.
20
Peter and Paul Church, where she served for many years as Chairwoman of the parish’s cherished

1
Christmas Bazaar, as well as serving as President of the SS. Peter & Paul Rosary & Altar Guild.
2
She had previously been a parishioner of St. James Parish; and
3
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community, Mrs. Burke had been a member of the Red Hat
4
Society, served on the West Warwick Democratic Town Committee, and held a position on the
5
West Warwick Senior Center Board; and
6
WHEREAS, Mary Burke possessed a vibrant spirit, generous heart, and sharp wit and
7
there is no doubt touched the lives and left an indelible mark on those she knew and loved, and
8
she will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it
9
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest
10
condolences and sympathy to the family of Mary D. Bruke; and be it further
11
RESOLED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
12
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mary White and Family, Michael Burke and
13
Family, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke and
14
Family, and Thomas Burke and Family.
========
LC003671
========

LC003671 - Page 2 of 2