Margaret Mary Burke, known to those in Boothbay Harbor as Geri Burke, died peacefully Sept. 10 at the Gregory Wing of St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor. She was born on Feb. 6, 1937 in Evanston, Ill., the daughter of the late James L. and Margaret L. (Coffee) Burke and grew up in Evanston and Highland Park, Ill. After graduating from high school she continued with her higher education taking courses at several institutions, one of which included Notre Dame. Her years of study culminated in three Masters Degrees, two of which were in Philosophy and Education. Geri devoted approximately 15 years of her adult life as Sister Geremia, a Sinsinawa (Wisconsin) Dominican Nun before teaching in public schools at various locations across the country.
Geri traveled extensively. On one traveling adventure she discovered Boothbay Harbor, which she loved so much that she purchased land in Sprucewold and built her dream retirement home. She and her Golden Retriever PJ settled in very quickly, enjoying the hikes in the woods and taking in the Maine ocean air.
Anyone who knew Geri marveled at her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She had a phenomenal story telling ability that captured the attention of her listeners.
She is survived by her brother James L. Burke, Jr. of Naples, Fla., as well as several cousins.
In keeping with Geri’s final wishes, her ashes will be interred near her Sprucewold cottage in Boothbay Harbor on Thurs., Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
