Lois Howes Burke, 92, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 11:35 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Lois was born December 1, 1927 in Detroit, MI the daughter of Willard Boyden and Marion (Lewis) Howes. She married Robert James Burke on September 2, 1950 in Bloomington, IL. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2008. Lois is survived by two sons, Robert E. (Jodi) Burke of Galesburg, IL and Tim (Barbara Stowe) Burke of Benzonia, MI; two daughters, Jane B. (Leonard) Antosiak of Ypsilanti, MI and Ann B. (Chris) Pemberton of Clinton, MI; six grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Howes; and one sister Elizabeth Rutowski.
Lois graduated from Ferndale High School in Michigan and received her degree in philosophy from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. Lois was active in her children’s school activities while they were growing up including being a Brownie leader. She was a dedicated catholic and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Lois and Bob were active for many years as Pre-Cana facilitators. Lois was also an accomplished pianist, enjoyed playing cards, reading, and in her younger years bowling.
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with the rosary being prayed at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Rev. Father William T. Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or the USO. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
