Mary Ellen Bjornson Burke

Mary Ellen Bjornson Burke, a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025 at the age of 80 with her children and brother by her side. 

Born in Bexar, Texas on September 29, 1944 to Ellen Margret Burke Bjornson (Nikola) (1922-2011) and Arthur William Bjornson Jr. (1923-1970). 

Raised in Berwyn, Illinois with her mother and stepfather Richard Nikola, brothers Randy Nikola and Richard Nikola Jr. 

She moved to Sarasota Florida in 1972 with her husband Rick Chuchro where they raised their three children. She raised her children in Myakka Valley and was very involved with them and their projects with 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts and sports. In Sarasota Mary started her 50-year career in the healthcare field at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, later with Doctors Hospital and finally at Tidewell Hospice where she was the Nursing Coordinator.  She retired in 2010. In her retirement she spent time traveling with her family, especially her son, Brian and brother, Randy.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the beach. Mary, lovingly known as “Dooma” had four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren which she was very interested in and enjoyed spending time with all of them. Family holidays were always spent together cooking and baking while teaching everyone about the family recipes was always a treat, especially at the great annual Christmas bake off. 

Left to cherish her memory daughter, Michelle Chuchro-Hazeltine (Stephen) of Nokomis, Florida; daughter, Debby Chuchro-Truesdale (Tom) of Nokomis, Florida; son, Brian Chuchro of Venice, Florida.  Grandchildren Michael Hazeltine (Elizabeth) of Nokomis, Florida; Jaclyn Van Fleet (Chris) of Sarasota, Florida; Clayton Hazeltine (Elaynne) of Nokomis, Florida; Travis “Booch” William Truesdale who she will be reunited with in heaven (passed in 2006). Rick Chuchro (Johanna) of Sarasota, Florida. Brother Randy Nikola (Sue) of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother Richard Nikola Jr. (Vicki) of Sparta, New Jersey. Along with many loved nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Travis Truesdale Memorial Fund (note in the memo line) check written to Catholic Community Foundation 1000 Pinebrook Road Venice, Florida 34285 941-484-9573 [email protected]  A fund for children with learning exceptionalities created in memory of her grandson Travis “Booch” Truesdale. 

Family service to be held at a later date.  Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence or memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.