Mary Kathryn Burke, 81, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on October 22nd, 2025.
Mary Kaye Burke was born in Flint Michigan to Alfred and Mary Tibbetts. Mary Kaye attended her school and college years in Flint. She worked at Mott College and several banks before marrying Melvin Burke. Mary Kaye and Melvin moved to Florida in 1970. Their son Scott Alan Burke was born in 1971. Mary Kaye went to work for First Federal Savings and Loan of Tarpon Springs which then over her 36 years there, changed names six times. Mary Kaye attended Church in Tarpon Springs and then settled in at Hope Methodist Church in Trinity Fl. She loved her Church family as she called them. Due to her love of hats and fascinators, she was lovingly called “The Hat Lady of Hope”. Her laughter, smile, and spirit were a blessing to all who knew her. Mary Kaye is survived by her son Scott, bonus son Steve Burke, bonus daughters Cheryl, and Debbie Burke. Her sister Patti Nicholson, her sister-in-law Gloria Tibbetts, nieces Emily and Allison, and great nephew Ruben. Mary Kaye was predeceased by husband Melvin Burke, parents Alfred and Mary Tibbetts, and brother David Tibbetts.
Hope United Methodist Church
Janet Marie Thomas
November 3, 2025, 7:05 pm
Mary Kaye, was the life of the party. She taught me how to have Faith. Her Faith was empowering and her love for the Lord was strong. Her laugh was contagious. She would give me an evil eye when I make silly moves in playing dominos. My whole family and others will miss her deeply. The lady with the many hats, they didn’t do her justice, is now wearing the crown that she deserves! And probably playing Bingo in Heaven.
Lew Arnold
November 4, 2025, 4:38 pm
Be it at the Covered Dish, Card Table, Worship Service, or Mission field in Costa Rica; Mary Kaye’s person and personality were always a joy, comfort and a role model. For me she will ever be a true teacher of the faith and mother of the church. Wouldn’t you just love to have seen what “fascinator” she chose to wear as she knocked on the Pearly Gates? To die for – and she would get the pun! Thank you for being a sister in Christ, a teacher and for the kind gift of your friendship….
NANCY and DAVE BURDEN
November 13, 2025, 9:22 pm
Mary Kaye is such a dear friend, present tense. As for so many of us, it seems impossible that she has gone on. But this wonderful Christian woman of faith is truly in paradise, we have no doubt.
Our memories are full of great times together – meals, rides, parties, and more. Dave and I especially enjoyed our dominoes dates, even if she won most of the time.
I’ll never forget the day that a baby being baptized was being walked down the aisle by Pastor David Miller. He (the baby, not the pastor … maybe… ) was so fascinated with Mary Kaye’s hat that he never broke eye contact with her both down and back the aisle.
Hat aside, Mary Kaye was that kind of woman. People were drawn to her smile, her wit and her kindness, just like that baby.
Her faith that meant so much to her was never hidden. She was a true disciple to all she met.
We will miss her deeply but with joy in the knowledge that she is in the arms of God.
We love you, Mary Kaye.
Kathy Jerman
November 15, 2025, 8:44 am
Sending prayers for peace and comfort to Mary Kaye’s family and friends. I first met her through mutual friends in Red X band and Vickie Inglee. Shared many events and gatherings with her and loved her sense of humor and adventure. She will be deeply missed. I am sure she is playing a wicked game of cards in heaven!