Janet Sue Majerus

Janet Sue Brakensiek Majerus, beloved wife of Robert E. Burke, MD, passed away on Sunday September 30, 2018 at the age of 82. She was born on March 30, 1936 and raised in Quincy Illinois to her parents Gertrude and Irvin Brakensiek. Janet’s life was full of hard work, adventure, love and accomplishments. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Journalism, she married Philip W. Majerus and moved to St. Louis. She wrote Grandpa and Frank (published in 1976) which was made into a movie staring Henry Fonda. Next Janet decided to get involved into politics beginning with the University City Planning Commission, progressing to being elected to Councilmember for the 1st ward in University City and ending with 10 years as the Mayor of University City. She continued to write and publish during her political career and after. After moving to Kensington, Maryland, Janet married Dr. Robert Burke, research scientist at the National Institute of Health. In 2005, when Robert retired, they packed up and moved to Taos, New Mexico. Taos proved to be the perfect fit for Janet as she began each day sipping coffee and looking up at the mountains. Janet was very active with her writers group, her novels, art, and her new friends. She published a total of five books. Janet is survived by her husband, Robert E. Burke; four children from her marriage with Philip W. Majerus: daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Rod Thompson; son and daughter-in-law, David and Cecily Majerus; daughter, Julie Del Valle; daughter, Mary Karen Majerus; and grandchildren Russell and Jenny Thompson and Anna and Michelle Del Valle.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in her name to one of the following organizations: Planned Parenthood, NPR/PBS, Emily’s List. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com