In Memory
Sherry Lynn (Dale) Burke
July 24, 1936 ~ October 26, 2026 (age 90)
Sherry Lynn (Dale) Burke passed away peacefully at her home in South Bend, Indiana on October 26, 2026. She celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this year surrounded by family and friends.
Sherry was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Walter (Zmyslo) Dale and Velma (Fenner) Dale. The family moved from Kalamazoo to South Bend in 1948. After graduating from Riley High School in 1954, she attended Indiana University in South Bend to master her secretarial skills.
Sherry began her professional career by serving as an executive secretary to members of the Morris family. She was then hired by the Associates Investment Company, rising through the ranks to be an executive secretary. In 1962, she followed her boss to Toronto, Ontario, Canada after he was promoted. Sherry remained in Toronto until 1969, when she returned to South Bend. She later became a receptionist and secretary at IBM until her retirement.
Sherry always brought a touch of class to her positions in the business world. Sherry was impeccably dressed every day, including matching jewelry and nail polish. Sherry was extremely kind to everyone and never hesitated to give advice. Her desk was a common place to stop and chat, earning her the nickname “Ma Burke.” She loved having parties and was often the hostess to bridal and baby showers for co-workers.
On July 11, 1970, Sherry married the late (2018) William Francis Burke at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in South Bend. Bill was the love of Sherry’s life. She often referred to him as “my Billy.” They enjoyed leisure travel and visited England (three times), Ireland, Italy, and several provinces in Canada, where they often met up with friends. They also loved to go “out on the town” and you could find them dining at the best local restaurants. The LaSalle Grill in South Bend was one of their favorites.
Sherry and Bill never had children but they loved having children visit. Sherry would stock up on treats for the kids and made sure there were toys for them to play with. When a friend had a baby, Sherry was first in line to stop by with a gift and to get a cuddle. The couple also loved to entertain, and Sherry always set a beautiful table. In the 1980s, Sherry was part of a group that created a cookbook for the local IBM office. Some of her co-workers continue to use her wonderful recipes.
Sherry and Bill also loved their backyard, with its koi pond and gorgeous landscaping and flowers. It was so spectacular that they shared their home with others as part of the South Bend Garden Walk tours. They could not have had such a beautiful green space without the assistance of their trusted helper of 26 years, Ann Hill, who passed away this past February.
Sherry was very fond of all animals, and she and her husband shared their home with numerous cats over the years. She usually had several cats living with her at any one time.
Sherry and Bill were also devoted parishioners at St. Jude Catholic Church. They befriended the priests and pastors there and often invited them to their house for a delicious meal. After Bill’s passing, Sherry often attended daily Mass. She was also involved in her parish in past years serving on various committees and the pastoral council. She was a member of the Rosary Sodality, often making baked goods for their Christmas “cookie walk” fundraiser, and frequently made covered dishes for funeral luncheons.
Sherry is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirley May (Dale) DePew (2025). Sherry is survived by her sister’s children, Wendy Jo (Mark) Christoff, Eric (Laurie) DePew, Jon (Nanalie) DePew, and her husband Bill’s nephews, Bowie Hillberg and Colin Hillberg. Sherry is also survived by her goddaughter, Lori-Ann (Simpson) Roman, numerous grand- and great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Sherry’s family offers special gratitude and appreciation to all the caregivers who allowed her to live independently in her home for the past few years, especially two dear and special friends, Ann Hill and Danielle McKee, both of South Bend.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on November 6 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend. Rev. Fr. Mark Hellinger will celebrate the Mass. Interment will be next to her beloved husband at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.
Visitation and viewing will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 5 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. On Friday, November 6, a visitation will also be held at the church prior to the funeral Mass from 10:30 to 11:00 AM before praying the Rosary at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sherry L. Burke may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or the parish school. Contributions may also be made to the St. Joseph County Humane Society, Pet Refuge, or any pet-friendly organization.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Thursday
November 5, 2026, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel
3718 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46614
Visitation
Friday
November 6, 2026, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Road
South Bend, IN 46614
Recitation of the Rosary
Friday
November 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Road
South Bend, IN 46614
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday
November 6, 2026, 11:30 AM
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Road
South Bend, IN 46614
Burial Immediately Following
Friday
November 6, 2026
Southlawn Cemetery
61430 US 31 South
South Bend, IN 46614
Donations
St. Jude Catholic Church
19704 Johnson Road, South Bend IN 46614
Pet Refuge Inc
4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend IN 46614
Tel: 1-574-231-1122
Web: https://www.petrefuge.com/donate-notes
Humane Society of St. Joseph County
2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka IN 46545
Tel: 1-574-255-4726
Web: https://humanesocietystjc.org/give-back/donate
Added 10/29/2026 2104 GMS
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