Signa V. Buerk

Signa Virginia (Hanifan) Buerk, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2014 with her family at her bedside. Signa was born in New Lexington, Ohio on February 5, 1921 to May Belle (Laha) and John Franklin Hanifan. She lived in New Lexington for two years before moving to Waterville, Ohio, where she spent most of her life. Signa attended Waterville School grades 1 through 12, where she had the honor of being named Queen of the Waterville Summer Festival during her senior year. She attended one year at Bowling Green State University before marrying the love of her life, Gale Francis Buerk, in the summer of 1942. Signa and Gale were blessed with four children, whom she devoted her life nurturing and raising as a stay-at-home mom, after his early death in 1964. Signa enjoyed the friendships she made while working as a bookkeeper at multiple establishments, especially Focus Unlimited, for quite a few years. What she enjoyed most in life was spending time with her family creating a legacy of kindness and love. Signa cherished nature and all of God’s creatures, especially her beloved cocker spaniel, “Kully.” Not only did she love her family, but she also loved her church. She was a member of St. Joseph Maumee Parish for sixty-five years. During the last five years of her life, Signa resided at Spring Meadows Nursing Home where she received great care and was known by all for harboring stuffed animals of every shape and size. Signa will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Signa is survived by her children, Gary (Colette) (friend Donald O’Neal) Buerk, Philip (Debra) Buerk, and Karen (Christopher) Brennan; her grandchildren Gregory (Alie) Buerk, Gwendolyn (Corey) Eckel, Shain (Renee) Buerk, Dr. Aaron (Jenni) Buerk, Melanie (Michael) Ledbetter, Heidi (George) Duty, Brandon (Nadiya) Buerk, Molly (Jess Melson) Buerk, Gavin (Claire) Buerk, Gayle (Matthew) Beier, Elizabeth (David) Higgins, Jennifer (Eric) Splete, John (Sherri) Brennan, Dr. Brian (Sarah) Brennan, and forty precious great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, May and John Hanifan, husband Gale Buerk, siblings Kenneth, Burt, and Virgil “Fudge” Hanifan, and daughter, Mary Gale (Buerk) Mueller. Family and friends may visit at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, Ohio on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a scripture service and Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the mortuary followed by the funeral mass in St. Joseph Church, Maumee at 10a.m. Interment will follow at St. Rose Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio. Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider St. Joseph Maumee Church.

Signa V. Buerk

February 5, 1921 - September 1, 2014