Marcella I. Holland Burke
Chesterton resident Marcella I. Holland Burke (Michael) died in the evening of Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at the age of 91 years old. Born on April 17, 1918 in Frankfort, Ind., she was the daughter of Roy and Flossie (Meneely) Michael. On Sept. 18, 1935, she married Ruthford “Brick” Holland who preceded her in death in 1969. In November 1972 she married Charles Burke of Indianapolis, Ind. He preceded her in death in 2006. She was also preceded in death by two infant sisters.
She is survived by daughters Carolyn Jones (Robert E.) of Chesterton, Ind., Joyce Anita Holland of Ft. Wayne, Ind. and stepdaughter Mrs. Kathy Roll (David) of Indianapolis, Ind. She is also survived by grandchildren Holly Jones Mishler (Kent), Chesterton; Mrs. Amy Jones Schaufelberger (Dan), LaGrange Park, Ill., and Scott Jones (Cathy), Rome, Ga. Step-grandchildren Jeremy Roll (Heidi), Indianapolis, and Kristin Roll of Lexington, Ohio.. Also great-grandchildren Matt Mishler, Indianapolis; Laura Mishler, Chesterton; Adam, Owen, and Colin Schaufelberger, LaGrange Park, Ill., Macey, Grahm, and Bridgette Jones, Rome, Ga. and Nolan Roll, Indianapolis.
Marcella graduated from Franklin High School in 1936. Her first husband, father, and other family members were associated with the Nickel Plate Railroad. During her time in Frankfurt she was involved in many facets of music. Her piano playing as an accompanist contributed to many weddings, funerals, service clubs, dance bands, the State Junior Miss Pageant (20 years), and teaching piano to many, many Frankfort residents. Her first love was using her “God-given talent” to serve the Lord by directing the choir at the Hope United Methodist Church.
In 1972, she and Charlie retired to Pine Island, Florida, where she once again became involved in activities related to music. As a member of Pine Island United Methodist Church she wrote and directed Easter and Christmas cantatas, accompanied other musicians and soloists, she once again taught piano to all ages. Directing the choir each week was an extension of her belief in the Lord and serving him. She was also a member of St. James City Church Circle which recently sold CDs of her music to fund mission projects. The move to Florida served to widen her circle of meaningful people in her life.
In 2006, she chose to move to Chesterton to be near family, an area she had visited many times during the past 50 years. She immediately became involved in the Liberty Bible Church choir, played piano in the Narthex. Joined the Victorious Women Sunday School class, and was a faithful member of Tuesday morning Bible Study. She was also a member of Christian Women’s Club. Her friendship has continued to flourish in Chesterton, loving every minute of her time here acknowledging that the Lord was continuing to guide her in her life.
Contributions honoring Marcella’s life may be made to:
Gaberson homes, 372A Franciscan Valparaiso, IN 46385
Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave. Chesterton, In. 46304
Chesterton Meals on Wheels, 225 W. Lindcoln Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304
VNA Hospice Home Care, 501 Marquette St. Valparaiso, In. 46383-2508