BURKE, Elaine V.

The Arizona Republic 4/25/2006. Elaine V. Burke died on April 22, 2006 at the age of 100 years. She was born in Carrizo Springs, Texas on January 20, 1906, the middle child of five children born to Kate Jones and Michael W. Vivian. She came to Arizona that same year in a covered wagon. Educated in California, Elaine was the first woman lifeguard at Long Beach, and was also a semi-pro dancer. She married Allan L. Bragg in 1927 and they returned to Arizona. In 1936 Allan founded Bragg's Pies, later Bragg's Cottage Bakery and Cottage Servus Bakery, where they worked together, with Elaine managing the office for many years. In 1963 Elaine married Jess Burke and lived for a time on his cattle ranches on the Blue River near Alpine where Elaine helped with the cattle drives. Elaine lived over 15 years at the Beatitudes Campus of Care. She is survived by her two daughters, Patty Pilcher and Jan Marshall (James R.); two nieces; two nephews; eight grandchildren, Larry (Sally), Randy (Donna) and Gary (Lisa) Sours, Jamie (Jimmy) Pelton, Michael, Scott (Vicki) and Jim (Mariann) Helfinstine and Kelly Ann (Bob) Waring; 15 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. A memorial service was held at the Beatitudes Life Center, 1610 W. Glendale, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Arrangements by Hansen Mortuary.