Death of Mayo woman who worked for two US presidents
The death has occurred of Mary Bourke, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.A., and formerly of Curranney, Belcarra, Castlebar.
Mary will be sadly missed by her partner Joe Butasek (Virginia, U.S.A), sisters Ann Connor Heneghan (Drumcorrabaun, Breaffy, Castlebar) and Peggy Kilgallon (Aughalusky, Moneen, Castlebar), her brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and cherished friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Annie (née Moran), brother John and her nephew Thomas.
Born in Belcarra on April 23, 1944, she moved moved from Ireland to the United States in 1955 and lived in South Bend, Indiana, where she attended Holy Cross School and St. Joseph High School.
On graduating from high school in 1963, Mary worked as an assistant at the University of Notre Dame coaches' office (home of the Fighting Irish football team), before later relocating to Washington DC.
In Washington DC, Mary spent time studying at American University and began her career in government administration.
Mary successfully applied for a job at the White House, working as assistant to the U.S. Press Secretary during President Gerald Ford's administration from 1974 to 1976.
Mary also worked on Capitol Hill at the National Republican Congressional Committee (1977-1981).
In 1981, Mary joined President Ronald Reagan's administration, and with that appointment worked at senior levels in the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Energy.
After her time working in government, Mary enjoyed a career as a highly successful real estate professional in Virginia for over 30 years.
She maintained a lifelong connection with her native Mayo, which she visited regularly throughout her life.
Her remains have been cremated following a funeral service which took place at The Basilica of Saint Mary, Alexandria Virginia.
Her burial takes place in Guesdian Cemetery, Belcarra, after a funeral service at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday next at St Anne’s Church.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.