Mary Susan Burke

In Loving Memory of Mary Susan Burke September 4, 1935 - June 25, 2025 Mary Susan Burke, known affectionately as Susan, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and pioneer in her field, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025. She was 89 years old. Born on September 4, 1935, to Thomas Allan Brady and Mary Elizabeth Brady, Susan grew up with a sharp mind and a curious spirit. The oldest of eight siblings-Thomas, Sally, Margaret, Theresa, Bob, John, and Bill--Susan learned early the value of connection, laughter, and resilience. A proud graduate of University High School in 1953, Susan went on to break barriers at the University of Missouri, Columbia, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1957 and 1959, respectively. At a time when few women pursued careers in engineering, Susan's determination and intellect shone brightly. She went on to work as a stress engineer at Martin Marietta, contributing to the Titan missile program-a quiet but powerful example of excellence and grace in a male-dominated field. Beyond her groundbreaking professional achievements, Susan lived a life filled with love and joy. On December 28, 1963, Susan married the love of her life, Francis John Burke. Together, they built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They welcomed two children-Thomas Edward Burke (Dorothy) in November 1964 and Anastasia Marie Neese (Paul) in December 1966. Susan poured her heart into motherhood, offering her children both gentle guidance and fierce love Susan's legacy continued to grow with the addition of two granddaughters Cornelia Burke Handy (Wesley) and Teresa Burke Grace (Josiah) and a great-grandson Sebatian Grace, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. She also shared deep, loving connections with her many nieces and nephews, who will always remember her quick wit, thoughtful presence, and nurturing spirit. Beyond her professional and familial accomplishments, Susan lived a rich life full of creativity and joy. A masterful seamstress and passionate quilter, she especially loved working with vintage feed sacks, transforming them into treasured heirlooms. She was an avid reader, a sharp and joyful bridge player, and a loyal Chicago Cubs baseball fan who rarely missed a game. Susan's life was one marked by intelligence, resilience, grace, and warmth. She touched countless lives through her kindness, her courage to break barriers, and her unwavering love for her family. Her memory will be carried on in every stitch of a quilt, every turn of a page, and every cheer from the stands. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Services will be 10AM, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St Pius X Catholic Parish, 1727 South 75th East Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma. A reception in the Family Center at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, will follow the burial. Her final resting place will be Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.