Kathleen Mae Zaworski-Burke

February 1, 1944 - February 24, 2016

Kathleen Mae Zaworski-Burke On the evening of February 24, 2016, Kathleen passed away at the age of 72 at Pomerado Hospital in San Diego, California as a result of complication from surgery. Kathleen was born on February 1, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was the only child of Darrell and Casimera Zaworski. Kathleen had a passion for education. She was a college professor, starting at the age of 22 and retiring at 70. She taught theater arts and introduction to speech communication to students throughout San Diego County at the University of San Diego, as well as Palomar, Miramar, and San Diego City Colleges. She was also a board member on the Poway Unified School District from 1992 to 1996. In politics you always have people that agree and others that disagree with you, and Kathleen was no exception. She was an animated and passionate advocate for children’s education. She may not have agreed with everyone, however, no one ever questioned her commitment to education. Kathleen also had passion for fine jewelry, the New Orleans jazz scene, and Las Vegas. She never missed an opportunity to put on her favorite jewels and take in a show or concert. She was the Executive producer of 2013’s Bayou Maharajah, The Troubled Genius of James Booker. Kathleen was predeceased by parents Darrell and Casimera Zaworski, and her beloved husband John J. Burke, Jr. She is survived by her children John (Jill) and Katherine, along with her granddaughters Charlotte, Lila, Rose Casimera, and Clara Maeve. A viewing will be held 4-5pm on Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido. Her funeral service will be held at 9 A.M on Friday, March 4th at San Rafael Catholic Church with internment following at 1:30pm at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, please make a donation in Kathleen’s name to the BMI Future Jazz Master Scholarship at www.BMIFoundation.org