Mary "Burke" Hawk

Mary Hawk, 96, May 29, 1919 ~ November 7, 2015 Mary Hawk, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, passed away peacefully Nov. 7, 2015, after a long illness. She was 96. Born in 1919 in Chicago to Elefteria and Pericles Burke, she was raised in a Greek household by her immigrant parents. The family lived on the north side of Chicago near Wrigley Field and she attended Lake View High School where she graduated in 1937. After her father's death in 1939, Mary moved with her mother and younger brother James to Portland to be near the Kitrinos side of the family. Soon she met the love of her life, Holly Hawk, and the two were married in 1940. Mary and Holly had three children and raised their family in North Portland. During the 1940s, she was a homemaker focused on her children and caring for her family. Happy memories include swimming with her children at Columbia Park pool and taking special family trips to Seaside and Cannon Beach. In the 1950s, she worked for Ann Palmer Bakery and later for Safeway, where she retired from in 1974. Mary loved gardening and cooking. She was a superb cook known for her savory meals and delicious desserts. She especially enjoyed making pastries from her Greek heritage: baklava, kourabiedes, Easter bread and Greek butter cookies. She was a social person who loved family and friendships. She enjoyed conversation and company, but she also found joy in the quiet beauty of a lovely day and the peace of her garden. In her later years, one of her favorite pleasures was to have "lunch out" with family followed by a trip to the nursery. She lived her life full of love, care for others and joy for the many blessings throughout her long life. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Holly; brothers, Nicolas and James; and children, Tommy and Nancy. She is survived by her daughter, Holly Ann; grandchildren, John and Susan; and four great-grandchildren. Her life was a gift to us all and we shall cherish her love forever. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at New Life Baptist Church, located at 3440 E. Main St., Hillsboro. Memorial donations may be made to the Oregon Humane Society. - See more at: http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=mary-hawk&pid=176660522#sthash.9iStJtum.dpuf Service Information