On Saturday, December 17, 2022, after a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis, Madeline Grace Burke, a devoted and loving daughter, sister, and niece, passed away at the age of 27. Maddie was born in Dallas, Texas, on December 9, 1995, to Mary Burke and William Burke. She came into this world and grabbed life by the horns, and she ruled the hearts of her family from that point on.
Madeline will be remembered by her father, William Burke of Leonard, Texas; her mother, Mary Burke also of Leonard, Texas; her sister, Melissa Blume of Sachse, Texas; her brother, Scott Burke of Greenville, Texas; her sister Anne Burke of Richardson, Texas; her aunt and uncle, Margaret Halvorson and Manny Kavumbi, of Houston, Texas; her aunt, Annette Gulley of Hubbard, Oregon; her uncles, Joe Halvorson of Portland, Oregon; Pat Halvorson of Seattle, Washington; her aunt and uncle Jeneane and Bob Schulz of Hillsboro, Oregon; her uncle Steve Halvorson and wife, Elline, of Tigard, Oregon; best friend, Ivy Wirch of Arlington, Texas; and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elden and Joan Halvorson; grandparents Clifford and Nellie Burke, and by her brother, Adam Burke.
Maddie lived a life that was full, she made a point of seeking fun and excitement in all she did. When she was well, she loved to travel and find new things to experience. She was a dedicated student, earning her associates degree in business management, and she also achieved certification as a professional makeup artist. Madeline loved to learn. She had a zest for life that inspired any person who had the honor of knowing her. Even in those times when she wasn’t able to leave home due to her health, she spent that time doing crochet or playing a game or two of cribbage with her mom and sister.
Maddie loved her family; she loved it when we gathered around just to hangout and enjoy being together. She had a heart that was welcoming to all. Making memories and sharing them was among her top priorities in life. She had a unique understanding about just how important it is to not only seek and find joy in life, but also to share that joy with others. She was a formidable friend; you could find none with a more loyal heart. She loved deeply and wholly.
Maddie was best known for her larger-than-life personality, her quick-witted sarcastic humor, fierce determination, and her generous and kindred heart. She was, as best stated by her mom, “a force to be reckoned with.”
A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 6th, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Leonard. Madeline’s sister, Anne, will be updating Facebook with further details. In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that those who are able instead make a donation in Madeline’s honor to either the Make A Wish foundation, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.