Beverly Mae Burke

Beverly Mae Burke, of Livingston, passed away at Billings Clinic on the evening of January 31, 2014 with her husband Jim and two of her children at her side. Beverly was born in Livingston, Montana on July 15, 1933, to proud parents Pat and Louise (Jordan) Tecca. She attended local schools and upon her high school graduation, she found summer time adventure by working for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. She then enrolled at the University of Montana where she studied business. Beverly's determined school work ethic and special talent earned her the distinction of being recognized as the fastest stenographer in Montana. She also excelled at UM's rifle club where she frequently found the bulls eye at the target range! She learned her sharpshooting skills from her father Pat, who was an accomplished marksman. After her studies at UM, Beverly was employed by Carter Oil in Portland, Oregon and Spokane, Washington. Beverly then found the love of her life when she asked a handsome Livingston man, Jim Burke, who had just returned from military service, to the 1949 Christmas Formal. This first date led to a steady relationship when they both attended UM, and they were married in 1956. Beverly and Jim had 57 wonderful and adventurous years together; their extensive travels took them throughout the continental United States, the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Spain, Portugal, England, Italy, Puerto Rico, and to North Africa where Beverly rode a camel in the desert. However, Beverly's ultimate joy and purpose in life was nearer to home, where she successfully helped Jim in building his business and taking care of their 5 children. Beverly had a unique nurturing and loving way of making each of her children feel like they were the most important blessings and source of her life's happiness. The basis of her motherly love was grounded in her ardent spirituality and her belief in - as she always wrote in her letters and cards - "Our Precious Savior". She prepared all of the family's favorite meals and was always there to celebrate each of her children's successes and always provided wisdom and guidance through the rough trials in their lives. Her daughter Jamie said it best: "when Mom was around, we knew everything would be alright!" Beverly's "sport" in life was organizing and throwing a party! Any occasion, from formal to casual, for family, friends, neighbors, and numerous civic organizations, she was simply the most fun, creative, and best-dressed hostess of her era. In fact, just days before her passing, she was busily putting the finishing touches on a PEO function. As the middle of three children, Beverly is survived by her older sister Patricia Roberts and her younger brother Jim Tecca, both of California. They were so close and we feel that it was a blessing that she spent this last Thanksgiving with her sister in California and had time with her brother the week before her death. Dad shares his sorrow with his children Jamie Garvey (husband Mike), Diana Burke (husband Chris), Scott Burke (wife Tana), Julie Sandlin, and Michael Burke. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Stephanie Ridl (husband Mike), Brandon Crane, Eric Burke, Cody Burke, Braden Burke and Tessa Burke. Each of them is a personification of Mom. Beverly is also survived by the newest member of her extended family, great-granddaughter Katrina Ridl. We would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Billings Clinic, and all of Beverly's extended family and friends who offered their prayers and support during her sickness. Public viewing is scheduled for 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Franzen Davis Funeral Home, 118 N. 3rd St. in Livingston, after which cremation will take place. Vigil will be 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, both at St. Mary's Church in Livingston. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Mary's Catholic School, P.O. Box 646, Livingston., MT 59047.