Agnes E. Burkus

Agnes Eileen Burkus (nee Hughes), passed away on June 2, 2022 in Barrington, IL. She was born on March 16, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA.

Agnes Burkus, long time resident of Crystal Lake, passed away after battling cancer. She was affectionately nicknamed “Aggie.”  She was an amazing cook. She enjoyed making lavish holiday meals and was proud of serving everything hot. She won ribbons for the best dill pickles and apple pie in the county! Her kids will remember and miss her lasagna and London broil.

She was an avid gardener. She was proud that she taught herself to create a vegetable garden and would say, “not too shabby for a city girl.” She was a Master Gardener for 20 years, involved in her church plant ministry, and also was active in “Plant a Row” for the hungry organization. She donated home grown produce to local food pantries to those in need. She cared greatly about the environment, and recycled and composted just about everything.

She spoiled birds with her homemade bird seed mix. She enjoyed attracting and admiring all types of birds. She especially loved hummingbirds. We often said, she was sweeter than the hummingbird nectar. Additionally, her other interests included genealogy, reading, crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy and Dancing with the Stars. She prided herself having danced on American Bandstand and enjoyed all styles of dance.

She was a tiny woman with a strong presence. She was a woman of faith. She was a consistent prayer warrior. Even praying for others the last days of her life. She was kind, sweet, thoughtful, and humble. She was an incredible example of displaying unconditional love to others. She quietly and persistently gave to the few local homeless people that she had befriended.  Additionally, she generously donated to several organizations that spoke to her heart.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, in-law, sister, aunt and friend. She was an active participant in all of our lives and will be greatly missed.

In hospice, we were given the gift of being able to say goodbye and had valuable and meaningful conversations. She passed away, with no regrets and knew how much she was loved. She was adamant she did not want a “dog and pony show” upon leaving this world. In honoring her wishes, we have created a non profit organization named “Angel Aggie’s Memorial Garden.” This garden will be set and its harvest will be donated to those in need within our community. This garden will also provide a serene and inviting place to sit, reflect, pray and honor Agnes.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to: Angel Aggie’s Memorial Garden, P.O. Box 731, Crystal Lake, IL 60039.

This fall, a party honoring her life, will be announced. Details to follow.

In the meantime, she has requested we all hit the “pause” button in life. Enjoy your summer, admire the flowers, breathe in the smell of fresh cut grass, enjoy a garden tomato, eat meals on the patio, have a Boston Creme donut and think of her. Please join us and raise a glass of ice tea and toast an incredible woman!

She is survived by; two sons, Kevin Burkus, Brian Burkus (Kim); and a daughter, Colleen Gardner (John); and a granddaughter, Josie Gardner.  Also, survived by her sister Margaret Gramlich, She is also survived by many loving family members, dear friends and wonderful neighbors.

For more information, contact Davenport Family Funeral Home at 815.459.3411. For online condolences, please visit www.davenportfamily.com