Katie L. Burks Remer

1939 - 2016

Katie L. Burks Remer obituary, 1939-2016, Chicago, IL

BORN

1939

DIED

2016

Katie Remer Obituary

August 29, 1939 to January 27, 2016 Katie L. Burks Remer, 76, a resident of Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood and Freeport, IL, died January 27th in Rush Medical Center after a several year battle with multiple myeloma. She moved to Chicago with her father from Helena, Arkansas, when she was about 12, and graduated from DuSable HS. She became a registered nurse, radiographer, and health administrator over several decades at Cook County Hospital; she was a pioneer African-American woman in many administrative roles there including supervisor of the Fantus Health Center's radiology department, administrator of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and administrator of the Department of Surgery. When she retired, she had become technical director of radiology, and successfully helped transition the move of her department in 2002 to the then new John H. Stroger Hospital. She held degrees in radiologic technology, sociology (BA from Northeastern), nursing and health administration (MA from Roosevelt), and was a licensed mammographer, radiographer, and registered nurse. In the 1960s she was the first African-American employee at the now-closed Illinois Central Hospital. Katie undertook many community activities over the years including with the Edgewater Community and Chicago's 48th Ward. She worked on campaigns for Harold Washington, her husband Robert, and John H. Stroger; she was a Hilary Clinton delegate candidate and 9th congressional district coordinator in 2008, and volunteered in Barack Obama's subsequent campaign for President. Retirement also gave her time to indulge her passion for tending her city and country gardens and to travel the world, her favorite destinations being Paris and Argentina. "Katie would light up a room with her smile," her husband said. "She'd make people feel great that she was there. I was so proud of her professional and academic accomplishments and her pioneering role as an African American woman in what had been a predominately white profession. She was the most beautiful woman I ever knew -- on the inside and the outside." Survivors, besides her loving husband of 41 years, include her "heart" - her daughter Keme Sandoo and granddaughter Amari Howard. She is also survived by 3 loving sisters: Mary Alice Harris, Meany Franklin, and Courtney Hale. Also by special loving friend and cousin Rubye Patterson along with cousins Robert Knowles, and Kash Knowles, many nieces, nephews and distant cousins. Predeceased by her mother Laura Jenkins, father L.A. Burks and 4 brothers. Memorial service to be held at a later date. Donations can be made in her honor to the Hematologic Cancer Services, Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinics, at Rush University

Published by Chicago Tribune from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for Katie Remer

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I am an old friend of Keme Sandoo´s from school in Atlanta. My sincere condolences to Bob, Keme, and Amari

Drake Phifer

Friend

December 24, 2022

We were so fond of Katie and Bob. She was such an elegant lady and is sorely missed from our summer concerts at the Ellises.

Jennifer & Bob Alexis

Friend

January 28, 2020

My fondness memory of Katie was her beautiful smile. It was a gift to all who met her. Every time I hear the song keep smiling, keep shining lyrics, I think of her. God is pleased!

Saundra Thompkins-Searcy

Coworker

January 28, 2020

We remember Katie through our mutual friendship with Linda and Morris Ellis. We shared her love of music and enjoyed watching Katie and Bob dance to the "Golden Oldies" at Morris' summer concerts. The music brought people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds together. Bob, we are all blessed to have had this experience!
Bob and Jennifer Alexis 1/29/19

January 29, 2019

Your travels, Bob, you are having in Katie's memory. The two of you shared so many trips and memories and friends. We are proud to have had Katie's friendship. We love you both.

Betty Mayian

Friend

January 28, 2019

I remember meeting Mrs. Remer the first day of moving into a house with strangers I didn't know my first year of college.Her daughter and I became fast friends. Unfortunately, we lost contact over the years but a mutual friend informed me of the sad news. Mrs. Remer was a kind, patient woman who had a lovely sense of humor. She loved her daughter very much. My condolences go out to Keme and her daughter and Mr. Remer.

December 9, 2016

Bob I am so sorry. I just heard about Katie from Walena Amadei Valencia. I remember you and Katie very fondly and wish we had stayed in touch. I retired last year and moved to Snellville Ga
Can be reached at 7082806735. Take care and God Bless!

Saundra Thompkins-Searcy. Previously Saundra Heath

August 20, 2016

From the time Wes and I met you and Katie, we considered you very special friends for life. We are still in disbelief that she is gone and we ache thinking of your loss. She was gracious, beautiful, warm and loving nd someone I was so very proud to call my friend. Our continued love and support to you Bob and family. She has left a void which can't be filled!

Jan and Wes Wescott

February 24, 2016

I was sorry to read of your loss and send my condolences to you and family and friends whose life were touched by Katie.

Susan Servatius Schlosser

February 15, 2016

My deepest sympathies to Robert and family.
Leah J. Steele

Leah Steele

February 11, 2016

I didn't know her, but for years would see her at Cook County Hospital. I always loved the way she carried herself, such dignity and class. Women could take a page from her book.

M Taylor

February 11, 2016

I was just speaking with another CCH alum, and we laughed over some memories we shared about Katie. Katie was a member of the original "Breakfast Club" in the old School of Nursing cafeteria. We'd meet almost every morning before work ... and oh, the stories we'd tell! It was such a fun group from several areas of the hospital.

Bob, please accept my sincere condolences ... you (and all of us) have lost such a beautiful friend and former co-worker.

Barbara O'Neal

February 9, 2016

We Saler family share your lost.. God Bless U.

February 9, 2016

Katie's smile truly did light up the room and now her smile is lighting up the Heavens. Bob, I am sending you and your family everlasting light and love.

Troy McMillan

February 9, 2016

Always wearing a smile and always doing her best to help overcome the obstacles at CCH. A joy to have known and worked with......,,

Jeff Bork

February 9, 2016

I am deeply saddened by the news of Katie's passing. It was great knowing and working with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
She will a;ways be remembered.

Reginald Warren

February 8, 2016

We are so sorry for your lost.
We pray that God will give
you a special blessing during
your sorry.

Betty Boudoin-class 0f 1973- Cook County Hospital
Shirley Leonard-class of 1974

February 7, 2016

The life of Katie L. Burks Remer shows that The Great Migration changed the face of Chicago. It also provided opportunities for African-Americans to live lives like that of Katie L. Burks Remer.
On behalf of the African-American staff of Wilbur Wright College we post our salute to a wonderful Chicagoan from Helena, Arkansas. Be Brave.

February 7, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you Bob and family at this time.

Gloria Evenson

February 7, 2016

Dear Bob,

You have our deepest sympathy. Katie was a gentle and wonderful lady. She will be grately missed!

Bob and Jennifer Alexis

Bob and Jennifer Alexis

February 7, 2016

We are so sorry to learn of Katie's passing. You have our sincerest condolences. Rely on your loving memories of Katie for solace in this time of sorrow. Please stay in touch.

Jim Puralewski

February 6, 2016

Our love and peaceful wishes for Bob and the family. Dear Katie will be missed. So sorry you could not have come here to see us. We had hoped for a better outcome for her disease. You will find much support in the Edgewater community. Visit us when you can.

Betty and Ara Mayian

February 5, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Maggie Woodson

February 5, 2016

You two were such a beautiful couple / bob you and the family are in our prays / remember the good times you had together / AGAPE CHUCK R.

February 4, 2016

Katie was inspirational to everyone she met. She was a leader in our time and her warm charm made everyone love her. She is greatly missed by the team that treated her and everyone she ever met.

February 3, 2016

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