Stonja Tillie Burke Obituary (1925

Lorain- Loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Stonja (Tillie) Burke, 90, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 30 at Elmcroft of Lorain. Tillie was born March 6, 1925 in Elyria to Traico and Stefanika Stamcoff and lived her entire life in Lorain County. She graduated from Elyria High School in 1943 and married William T. Burke in 1948. She raised five talented children and was most proud that all five have been married to the same spouse for over 30 years. Originally a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Greek Orthodox Church in South Lorain, Tillie converted to Catholicism and remained a member of St. Mary's Church until her death. She worked for years as a Shop Supervisor at The Joseph &Feiss clothing factory in Lorain where she was recognized for her ability to get along with all of the garment makers while inspiring them to make quality men's clothing. Tillie was a great cook and an avid reader. When she was fifty years old she began to play tennis and became an active and aggressive player in a short time. Tillie loved all sports, but especially football and was proud of her sons' accomplishments both on the field and in the coaching ranks. She was also very proud of her Macedonian heritage and was an outstanding Macedonian dancer. Tillie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Alex and George, and sister Cecelia, as well as her husband Bill. She is survived by sons William and wife Chris of San Antonio, Texas, John and wife Shelly of Glendale, Arizona, daughter RebeccaBarras and husband Mike of Cincinnati, son Michael and wife Jane of The Villages, Florida, and daughter Bonnie DeChant and husband Paul of San Ramon, California. Tillie was grandmother (Baba) to ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home, Lorain on Monday from 3-7 PM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Mary Church, Lorain on Tuesday at 10:00 AM. Interment Calvary Cemetery.