MARILYN BURKE

1942 ~ MARILYN BURKE ~ 2024 Marilyn Emma Burke (nee Sherwin) of Medicine Hat passed away suddenly on Friday August 23rd, 2024 at the age of 82. Her death was a tragic accident which no one could have foreseen or realistically prevented.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Mason (Doug) Burke.
Marilyn is also lovingly remembered by her son, Desmond (Karen Peters) and granddaughter, Mera; and her daughter, Danielle Donington (Carl), and grandsons, Callum and Graeme. Left to cherish Marilyn’s memory as well are her sister, Darlene Hase (Werner) and her nephews, Shaun (Yumi) and Aaron (Anna); sister, Hazel Maurer, and niece, Michele (Arne Simon), and nephew, Todd; sister, Dallas King, and niece, Jodette Bergen and nephew, Jared Bergen (Candace); nephews, Tim Sherwin (Betty) and Calvin Sherwin (Alison); niece, Marnel Hesterman (Keith), and nephew, Cory Sherwin; nephews, Nathan McKay (Elizabeth Van Herk) and Benjamin McKay.
Marilyn is predeceased by her father, Melville Sherwin; mother, Lydia (Geigle); and stepmother, May (Oakes); her brother, Dale Sherwin and his wife, Louise (Schinbien); and her sister, Velma McKay.
Gone too soon as well is Marilyn and Doug’s daughter, Daun Burke.
Marilyn was born in Coronach, Saskatchewan on January 20th, 1942. The passing of her mother when Marilyn was just a toddler darkened what would have otherwise been a typical happy prairie town childhood. Instead of being orphaned, which was the custom for young daughters of widowers, she and her sister Darlene found themselves living for 2 1/2 years with their Grandpa and Grandma Sherwin, who was, in Marilyn’s words, “mean.” Once her father remarried, Marilyn was greatly relieved to be back with him. This relief was short-lived however, as Marilyn soon found herself in the role of assistant caregiver to her half-sisters rather than getting to restart her childhood.
Marilyn completed Grade 12 at Crane Valley School in 1960 and after one year studying accounting at a college in Assiniboia, signed up for the Canadian Armed Forces at the first opportunity. She enlisted in the Air Force on July 11,1961 and met Doug soon after, who was also in the military. They worked side-by-side as clerks. They were married on April 4, 1964. Leading Aircraftwoman Marilyn Emma Burke was honorably released from the Air force on November 29, 1964, “for marriage,” and she and Doug had their first child 8 days later.
After that, and despite her childhood, Marilyn seemed almost solely dedicated to providing a safe, loving (and exceedingly tidy!) environment in which her family could grow and thrive (traumatic events would never be far away, however). Still, she managed to carve out space for her walks, golfing, gardening, preparing income taxes on the side, and receiving a diploma in professional nanny training. She also had her ‘night life’, as it were, staying up most days until 3:00 am puttering around the house, watching old movies, dozing off, and eventually finding her way to bed.
When Doug retired from the Armed Forces, he and Marilyn settled in Medicine Hat, where they’ve been ever since. Later life saw the two of them taking many tours and cruises. More recently they had been really enjoying Condo life and making many friends in their building. Marilyn was especially fond of her cards and jigsaw puzzle groups.
Marilyn never learned to drive a car. She walked out of necessity and because she loved it. Sadly, it was on one of these walks that Marilyn’s life was cut short. Cremation has taken place. Interment and a celebration of life for Marilyn will be held at a later date.
In lieu of arranging for flowers or gifts, please take that time to review and ensure you and your loved one’s affairs are in order. Marilyn’s family is most grateful that this was the case as much as could be expected given the circumstance.
Also, please take and make every opportunity to let those you care about know that you love them.
Condolences for the family may be sent at www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marilyn Burke. Funeral arrangements entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.