Marcia M. Burgis

Marcia Marie Burgis passed away peacefully in her beautiful Park Ridge home on March 24, 2022 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  

Beloved wife of William Burgis. Loving mother of Rick (Laura), Jeff (Tina) and Jonathan (Jennifer) Burgis. Dear grandmother of Elizabeth, Riley, William, Andrew, Jack, and Brendan Burgis. Fond sister of Daria (Raymond) Schmitz. Cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Marcia Burgis was born in Chicago, to parents John ‘Jack’ and Olga (nee Nachtman) Mate.  Her childhood was full of love, laughter, friendships and adventure. As Olga sadly passed away at an early age, both Marcia and her sister Daria ‘Dee’ were raised by her father Jack and many other loving aunts and uncles. Her passion for music was inspired by her Dad, who was the leader of dancehall band active in the prohibition-era Chicago music scene. This passion led to Marcia becoming an accomplished piano player - she loved playing her Baby Grand surrounded by friends and family.

Marcia made friends wherever she went. She had an insatiable thirst for learning, was a great listener and had a witty, sharp sense of humor.  Her listening skills and intellect served her well throughout her Catholic school years, eventually earning a scholarship to Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois. She then became an English teacher at Steinmetz High School.  She loved kids, teaching English, and going out on the town with friends where she eventually met husband William ‘Bill’ Burgis. Bill and Marcia later moved from their small Northside apartment to Park Ridge in 1969 to raise their three sons: Richard, Jeffrey and Jonathan. Marcia stayed home with her sons during their formative years and she had a huge impact on their lives – whether it was driving to sports, music lessons, Scouts, tutoring or going to the lake house in Wisconsin, she was always with ‘her boys’. She later took a job with Walter E. Smithe furniture, where Marcia was able to share her love for art, design and more importantly engaging people. Marcia loved the Park Ridge community and we are blessed that so many loved her in return. She was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Church, and was active in many organizations such as the Jaycees and the Kalo Foundation, dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of Park Ridge.

Whether as a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister or teacher, she was the best of the best. While Marcia will be greatly missed, her heart, spirit and all that she taught will remain with us forever.  

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 8 at 10:00 am at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 140 S. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge with a luncheon to follow. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Paul of the Cross Church, www.spc-church.org or The Center of Concern, www.centerofconcern.org/make-a-donation.

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