Maria Morris-Burke

Born in Crookston, Minnesota, in 1936. My family moved often and finally settled in Minneapolis when I was four.

I attended Incarnation School from Kindergarten through eighth grade. My High School days were spent at the Holy Angels Academy for Girls. I graduated in 1954. In 1960, I enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated four years later with a BS in Education.

My thirty-four-year career in education includes teaching in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Livonia, Michigan, and 32 years in Southern California and retiring in Ridgecrest, California.

During those years, I was an Elementary Classroom Teacher, a School Improvement Facilitator, a Mentor Teacher, a Contract Negotiator, West Coast Humane Teacher of the Year 1984, and Runner-Up to the National Humane Teacher of the Year 1984. I am a member of Delta Kappa Gama, a professional society for women educators.

Upon retirement, I volunteered and visited a local assisted living home with my two Maltese Therapy Dogs weekly for six years. The dogs and I participated in a library program called "Read to a Dog" for two years.

I was recently widowed for a second time. I am a mother and grandmother and keep busy with family and friends. I consider myself A senior Classic - I am confident in learning new things.