Marce "Mei Mei" W. Burke

Mary “Marce” W. Burke, affectionately known as Mei Mei, of Saint Petersburg, FL, and previously of New York City, Garrison, NY, and her beloved Cap d ’Antibes, France, born May 15, 1941 in Asheville, NC, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2025, surrounded by her husband and daughters.  Marce graduated from Meyers Park High School in Charlotte, NC and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Despite being the writer in the family, she left this task to us!  After college, she moved to NYC to pursue a career in the arts and later received an associate degree from the New York School of Interior Design.  Marce had a profound love of theater, ballet, music, literature, and fashion and became an international award-winning interior designer.  She spent her early summers in Fire Island and Southampton, NY.  Her passion to fulfill her dreams led her to spend most of her adult life in the south of France where her soul was forever touched by France and the French spirit.

Marce loved animals and was devoted to her pets over the years whom she considered cherished members of the family – Max, Phoebe, Sybil, Piffle, Salome, Pocahontas, Fleur, Daphne, Delilah, Magnolia, Cashmere, Savannah, Jezabel, Penelope, Odilie, Jubilee and Elodie.

Marce’s love extended beyond animals to the spaces she called home, each one decorated with remarkable awareness. Her surroundings reflected her warmth, creativity, and deep appreciation for life’s beauty. Everything she did and loved in her life was shaped and influenced by her artistic vision whether it was cooking for two, entertaining for fifty, or planning her annual open house Christmas parties. Holidays were a magical experience. Marce was the epitome of a gracious hostess and made everyone feel welcome. Her intellect, wisdom and wit were embedded in every conversation, often punctuated by unforgettable one-liners. Marce seized and embraced opportunities to broaden her knowledge. For her, education never stopped. She had a passion for travel, embracing new places and experiences with curiosity and delight. She was fearless and created a life of compassion, creativity, and adventure. Her strength, warmth, and generosity will be greatly missed.

Marce is survived by her husband Louis F. Burke of St. Petersburg FL, her twin daughters Melissa Ragovoy of New York City, Gillian Ragovoy Ferguson and son-in law Jim Ferguson of St. Petersburg FL, and Stepson Michael Burke and daughter -in -law Julia Burke of Hollywood FL, and three grandchildren whom she adored - Annabelle Ferguson, Lucas Ferguson, Brayden Burke and her beloved Papillon Elodie. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in memory of Marce to St Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg FL or your preferred animal charity . A celebration of her life is planned for later this year.