ALBANY – Mary Flahive Burke, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland. Born in Geneva, NY, she was the daughter of the late Stephen C. and Margaret Praemassing Mahan. After the death of her husband Howard F. Flahive of Glens Falls, she married Patrick J. Burke of Albany, who also predeceased her. During her years in Albany, Mary was active in several volunteer activities including the Villa Mary Immaculate Nursing Home, Teresian House Nursing Home, The Red Cross, Brady Hospital, and Holy Cross Grade School.
Mary is survived by her sons Stephen Flahive Burke (Evelyn) of Albany, and Thomas Flahive Burke (Lisa) of Bailey Island, ME; her grandsons Matthew T. Burke, M.D. (Bridget) of Washington, DC, and James M. Burke, J.D. (Kristin) of Denver, CO; her brother Stephen C. Mahan, Jr. of Geneva, NY; her great grandchildren Oliver and Claire Burke; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son John M. Flahive, her brother Robert J. Mahan, and her sister Jean Sturgeon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave. & Hopewell St., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, South Glens Falls, NY. The family suggests memorial contributions to The Red Cross. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Mary’s resting place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, South Glens Falls, New York.
Mary’s video tribute (password required):
Stephen & Carolyn Wilson
Dear Steve & Evelyn,
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your mother, Mary. After reading of all the wonderful and constructive contributions she made in her lifetime, I could see where some of your own best qualities came from.
It has been so long since we last spoke. Carolyn & I are still doing fine, she volunteering with Community Caregivers and I keeping bees and serving on the Pollinator Stewardship Council’s national Board of Directors . We both have had full vaccinations and are well. Our home and apiary look across the W’vliet Res. at Jim Besha’s huge vineyard and soon-to-open wine-tasting emporium. Please come for a long-awaited visit and a sip of wine (not Besha’s yet).
Nanci L Cremen
I’m very sorry to hear about your mom, Steve. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Martha Cassidy Kerr
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Burke’s sons Stephen and Tom and all of her family.
Mrs. Burke was one of my mother’s oldest and dearest friends. I have found memories of them quilting in my living room and getting to swim at Mrs. Burke’s Lake George lake house. She was extremely loyal to my mother and whole family.
With love,
Martha Cassidy Kerr
Daughter of Nancy Neville Cassidy
Martha Cassidy Kerr
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Burke’s sons Stephen and Tom and all of her family.
Mrs. Burke was one of my mother’s oldest and dearest friends. I have found memories of them quilting in my living room and getting to swim at Mrs. Burke’s Lake George lake house. She was extremely loyal to my mother and whole family.
Sending love to your family from mine.
Noel Liuzzi
I have only recently met Mary through a chair yoga class at the Ciccotti Center; she was our “shining star” due to her stamina, her sense of humor and personality…I so enjoyed our talks before class and looked forward to seeing her…my sympathies to her family …she will always be remembered…
Ed Barber
Steve and Evelyn,
I will always remember a few years back my Mom and Mary flying out together to Jimmy’s wedding! It was always nice to run into Mary at the Dunkin’s up on Western Ave a few years back when my Mom were out and about during my visits to Albany. My thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Ed Barber
Kathleen Murphy
Mary… was like a second Mom to me. I remember hours and hours of weekends in the station wagon – me in the back – with my mother, Pat Murphy, and Sue Banan as the three of them scoured flea market after flea market – far and wide – to hunt for a spoon, or salt shaker…or some “find” that they’d bring home to scour, polish or mend. All with friendship and laughter. I will remember Mary’s kindness, her curiosity – always asking me what I was up to with genuine interest, and her beloved box of ribbon candy she’d bring at Christmas… a little reminder of her, always. Rest in peace, Mary. xo Kathleen Murphy
Rita Papandrea
May your sorrow be lightened by the love and happy memories shared with your mother. We are sorry for your loss.
Dan & Rita Papandrea
Maureen Cavanagh
Steven, Tom and families,
I am so sorry to come across the notice of your mom’s death while I was looking something else up. What a wonderful neighbor she was when we were so little. I know my mom and dad were very fond of her as well and no doubt greeted her with open arms in that little Rosemont St. section of heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be consoled by the thought that I will always think of her with great fondness and affection.
Maureen Cavanagh