Snap Shot - Marlene

Marlene is a housewife.  She enjoys embroidery and church activities.

Marlene and her husband, Rick, became interested in the patients at North Valley Extended Care Center, a local nursing home in Whitefish, MT, when her stepmother Mina Grenz became a patient there in 1987.  Although Mina passed away in 1988, the Burkeys have continued their interest to the extent that they have bought and delivered Christmas gifts to the patients since 1987, relying on suggestions and lists given to them by the staff member.  Each one of the residents, and there are over 450, receives two or three gifts, all hand-picked by the Burkey's, who dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They are assisted in their gift giving by family members who dress as elves.

Rick works at the Columbia Falls Aluminum plant as a DC fireman.  He and Marlene make frequent visits to the Care Center though out the year and have gotten to know the residents well.  A lot of these residents have out-lived their families and friends, so they really appreciate being remembered at Christmas and throughout the year.

Circa 1993