Bio History Note | Apparently, Irene did not receive a degree from Manchester College. An obituary, published in The Rochester Sentinel, 2 August 1988 stated that Irene was born 18 February 1912 in Perryburg, Indiana to Omer C. and Lillian O'Brien Rannells. Irene was married to Thomas Burke (d. 9 April 1976). Irene retired from CBS News in Chicago in 1971. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rochester, Indiana.
Irene's nephew, Scott, gave the autograph book to Helen Young (mother of donor, Judy Taylor). Helen Young and Irene Burke were friends, growing up together in Perrysburg, Indiana.
Some names included are Myrl Alexander, Emma Domer, Paul Garrett, Leo Pippinger, Ruth Tucker, Erma Crampton, Beulah Riley, Osie Lantz, W. Kenneth Baker, Louise Johnston, Edward Hershberger, Martha Warstler, George Heeter, Iva Stebbins, and many more.
More research is needed, however, it appears Irene's nickname was "Babe," and that she was involved in music. It is also likely that she came to MC only for the Spring semester. |