Freddie Fay Burke passed away November 1 and went on to her Heavenly reward. She was the second daughter born to Elmer M. and Nora J. Downey in Monroe City on October 14, 1926. Her sister, Helen Louise Downey, passed away in October, 1931 at the age of 7 after a short illness. Freddie Fay was a Grandchild to Noah Gilmore of Verne who owned and operated the Verne Store and Freddie Fay was a frequent visitor.
Freddie Fay graduated from Monroe City High School in 1944, and Vincennes University in 1946. Freddie Fay attended the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and was a gifted student in piano and was in the IU Harp Ensemble. She graduated from IU in 1948 with a BS in Music Education. She began her teaching career of 36 years retiring in 1990, after teaching at Monroe City High School, Fritchton High School, South Knox and Decker Elementary Schools. She was known for her School Christmas Programs, Operettas, square dancing and her former students still enjoyed telling her about the fun they had in her music classes.
Freddie Fay also served the South Knox and Knox County Communities with her musical abilities. She played for numerous weddings, funerals, special events and entertained for various social clubs. She was the Church Organist at the Monroe City Methodist Church and Pianist at the Monroe City First Church of God. Freddie Fay served God faithfully with the Church programs for Christmas and Easter, Bible School Director and in many other capacities. She also served as the American Heart Chairperson for Knox County, American Cancer Society (before the Relay for Life), President of the Monroe City High School Alumni and as its permanent recording secretary for many years and was awarded the Elmer Downey Distinguished Alumnus Award. She volunteered at the Blue Jean Center where she was awarded the Larry Horrall Memorial Outstanding Volunteer. She was a member of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron, Grand Representative of Minnesota, and was the Grand Organist for the State of Indiana while also serving as Organist for her Local Chapter. Freddie Fay was also presented the Bill Menke Spirit of ’76 Award for her many contributions to the Knox County Community.
On June 25, 1950, she married Hal D Burke. With Hal serving in the Marines at Camp LeJeune NC from 1952-54, she followed him there and they had their first child, a daughter, Rebecca Fay. Their 2nd child, Hal D II, was born in Vincennes.
Freddie Fay is survived by her husband, Hal D, daughter Rebecca (John) Miller of Monroe City, son, Hal D II (Wendy) Burke of Fort Lauderdale, Fl, Grandsons, Alex (Jana) Miller of St. Charles, IL, Seth (Tessa) Miller of Greenwood, IN, and Great Grandchildren, Ella, Magnolia, Easton, Alana, and Eli. She is also survived by her nieces, Ella Kay (Randie) Dreiman, Ranah (Joe) Rusch, Carol Carter, and nephew, Pete (Marcia) Carter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer & Nora Downey, Maefair Welton, sister, Helen Louise Downey.
The Family wants to thank the many friends, former students and family who sent cards, visited and called her the past few years. Also, to the staff at Colonial Assisted Living, and BridgePointe Health Care, we thank you for the kindness in caring for our beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.
Visitation will be Friday, November 5 from 3-8 pm at the Monroe City First Church of God with an Eastern Star Service beginning at 7 pm. The funeral will be Saturday, November 6 at 10 am at the Monroe City First Church of God with Burial at the Vincennes Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be sent to the South Knox Educational Foundation for the music program at the Elementary School or Good Samaritan Hospice program. On line memories may be sent to Freddie’s family at www.goodwinsievers.com.
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Freddie.
