Posted November 15, 2023

Mary Anne Clymer Burke was born on January 16, 1932, to Cleo and Anne (Fitzpatrick) Clymer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She attended Holy Child grade school on North Broad St. and Little Flower High School, from which she graduated in 1950.  Subsequently, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  She would later be awarded Master’s Degrees in Education and American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania.

Mary Anne taught at a number of high schools in the Philadelphia area, including Hatboro/Horsham and Springfield.

She married Arthur Burke Jr. on September 17, 1966.  Her son, Arthur III, was born the following year.

Along with her husband, Mary Anne was active in many Catholic volunteer organizations.  She was the first female President of the Serra Club of Philadelphia (an organization committed to promoting vocations to the religious life).  She was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians in Abington, Pennsylvania.

Mary Anne received many award and recognitions for her volunteer work.  In 2018, she was named a Dame of the Order of the Knights of St. Gregory.  That same year, she received the Ambassador Award from the Pontifical Mission Society.

Mary Anne passed away on November 12, 2023.  She is survived by her husband, Arthur Jr., her son, Arthur III, her daughter-in-law, Meredith, her granddaughters, Lucy and Margaret, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate contributions in her memory to the Serra Club of Philadelphia, 1429 S. 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19146.  This should not be confused with the Sierra Club.