1978
Michelle
2025
Michelle Burke
August 11, 1978 — January 25, 2025
Michelle I. Burke, 46, of Bartlett, IL passed away on January 25, 2025. Michelle was born on August 11, 1978 in Chicago, IL to her parents Terry and Cindy Palmer. Beloved wife of almost 22 years to Tim Burke, loving mom of Jack and Owen Burke, dear daughter of Cindy Palmer and Terry (Diane) Palmer, loving sister of Keith and sister-in-law Carolyn (Curt) Mette; cherished aunt and cousin and dear friend to many.
A proud graduate of Carroll University, Michelle was a masterfully talented and creative middle school science teacher before assuming the role of Science Department Head for IL School District 54. Michelle was instrumental in rolling out the Project Lead the Way STEAM/STEM curriculum for SD54, and for this effort, she was invited by Tammy Duckworth to the State of the Union Address in 2014. Michelle loved her work, loved her students and derived great joy in learning.
A humble person, Michelle never sought the spotlight, but actively worked to make the world a better place. She lead with confidence and hope and instilled these values in her own children as well as the many hundreds of students she taught. Her laugh and smile were infectious and her aura was peaceful and kind. Michelle’s happy place was Disney World where she and her family spent many a happy hour!
Michelle exhibited incredible courage and strength throughout her more than two year battle with cancer. Her strength and grace encouraged all who loved her to remain positive and live with gratitude.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, 95 South Gilbert St. South Elgin, IL. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FibroFighters Foundation, https://fibrofighters.org/donate-now/ For more information, please contact Countryside Funeral Home, 847-289-8054.
A proud graduate of Carroll University, Michelle was a masterfully talented and creative middle school science teacher before assuming the role of Science Department Head for IL School District 54. Michelle was instrumental in rolling out the Project Lead the Way STEAM/STEM curriculum for SD54, and for this effort, she was invited by Tammy Duckworth to the State of the Union Address in 2014. Michelle loved her work, loved her students and derived great joy in learning.
A humble person, Michelle never sought the spotlight, but actively worked to make the world a better place. She lead with confidence and hope and instilled these values in her own children as well as the many hundreds of students she taught. Her laugh and smile were infectious and her aura was peaceful and kind. Michelle’s happy place was Disney World where she and her family spent many a happy hour!
Michelle exhibited incredible courage and strength throughout her more than two year battle with cancer. Her strength and grace encouraged all who loved her to remain positive and live with gratitude.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, 95 South Gilbert St. South Elgin, IL. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FibroFighters Foundation, https://fibrofighters.org/donate-now/ For more information, please contact Countryside Funeral Home, 847-289-8054.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michelle Burke, please visit our flower store.
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