Racine – Marion Kaye "Mary Kaye" (nee: Burkey) Mayfield, 49, passed away peacefully at Hospice Alliance – Hospice House in Kenosha on Monday, July 2, 2012 following a brave battle with cancer.

A lifetime resident, she was born in Racine on January 24, 1963. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1981 and went on to proudly earn her registered nursing degree from Gateway Technical College. Since graduating in 1995, Mary Kaye has been serving our Racine / Kenosha communities as a Registered Nurse at United Hospitals – Kenosha Memorial on 7 ^th Palmer.

Passionate about all of God's creatures, Mary Kaye was an extreme animal enthusiast who volunteered as a foster parent for local humane societies and rescues. She was also a phenomenal gourmet cook, had a special fondness of Mexican food, and was an avid reader. Above all, Mary Kaye loved being a nurse and truly enjoyed helping others in their time of need.

Surviving are her father, Donald Burkey; mother, Sandra (James) Lui; sister, Cheryl (George Jr.) Feil; former mother-in-law, Janet (George) Urquhart; cousins, Dennis Ludtke, Tracie (nee: Ludtke) Schultz, and Gerald Pirk, Jr. (currently serving his 16 ^th year with the United States Marine Corps); her cherished canine companions, Rosie and Kaylee; and many other dear relatives and friends- too numerous to mention by name – including her extended family of co-workers at the hospital.

In accordance with Mary Kaye's wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating Mary Kaye's life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 12:00 noon with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:30 am until 12:00 noon. In memory of Mary Kaye, memorials to Hospice Alliance or to one's favorite animal shelter / humane society have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Alliance; to her social worker and friend, Michelle Hogan; and to everyone else who offered compassionate care and support to Mary Kaye during her three-year journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!