Maria was born in Graflinden, Gottschee in Yugoslavia in 1924, daughter of Margareta and Eduard Kurre. She married her beloved Richard on July 2, 1949. They were married for 60 years until his death in 2010. She is survived by her daughter Helga Burk and husband John, her grandson Christopher Burk and wife Amy, her granddaughter Melissa Boudreau and husband Jason, and her granddaughter, Stephanie Feuss and husband Sandin. Her greatest joy was her eight adorable greatgrandchildren: Griffin, Avery, Sadie, Paige, Andrew, Emily, Allison, and Chelsea.

Maria was often known as Mitzi to her devoted siblings Edward, John, Frank, Lilly, Hilde, and Ernest, as well as their spouses, Kristine, Maria, Trudy, Herbert, Peter, and Durdica, respectively. She was the eldest of seven and a beloved "big sister." During and after the World War II years, she helped to raise and establish her brothers and sisters at the side of her then widowed mother.

She was also Tante Mitzi to multiple nieces and nephews who very much enjoyed the company of their aunt. She was proud of every one of them.

It is with sad hearts that the family bids an earthly farewell to our dear Maria. Her legacy is one of caring for others. Her reward is now at hand.