Maryann (Fermann) Burwinkel

On Monday, November 30, 2020, Maryann (Fermann) Burwinkel, loving wife and mother of seven children passed away at the age of 84.

Maryann was born on March 11, 1936 in Cincinnati, OH to Harry and Bernadette (Pulsfort) Fermann.  Although she was a proud graduate of Ursuline Academy, she joined Henry (Hank) Burwinkel at the Purcell Prom where they reigned as King and Queen in 1952.  Three years later, on May 14, 1955, she married Hank Burwinkel, the love of her life, and raised seven children.

Maryann’s passions were her husband, her family, and her volunteer work.  With seven children, their spouses, twenty-five grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren, Maryann spent a majority of her time caring for her husband and family, in both big and small ways.  As a resident of Norwood for 46 years, Maryann and Hank raised their big family in a beautiful Ida Avenue home until they downsized to Hyde Park in their later years.

Professionally, Maryann was a reliable and attentive bookkeeper and financial officer, first in supporting Hank’s general contracting business while also raising their children, but in various roles after her children were mostly grown.   When the children were all out of the house, Maryann and Hank converted their beloved Norwood home into a bed and breakfast, The Empty Nest.  For ten years, Maryann and Hank delighted in opening their home to guests, who became dear friends. Maryann also served as a member of Norwood City Council.

Maryann was committed to her Catholic faith, first as a parishioner of the former St. Matthew’s Church in Norwood, and then at Bellarmine Chapel, on the campus of Xavier University.  She served in many roles, volunteering with her church throughout her life.

Maryann believed strongly in giving back to her community and lived by the motto, “Those to whom much is given, much is expected.”  In her twilight years, Maryann was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul, Cincinnati Association for the Blind, Tales to Tails with the Public Library, Bread Runners, Mary Magdalen House, several Democratic political campaigns, Norwood Historical Society, Sharon Woods, and many other causes, too numerous to name.  In fact, Maryann and Hank were honored for their volunteer efforts in 2012 by the Ohio Department of Aging and former Governor Kasich. Maryann was also a volunteer with her beloved therapy dog at the Hospice of Blue Ash, where she spent her final days.

Maryann suffered from dementia in her later years, but COVID-19 proved to be insurmountable.

Maryann leaves behind her husband, Hank, of 65 years, her children and their spouses: Paul and Kathy Burwinkel, Edie Schmidt, Chip and Ginny Burwinkel, Beth and Bob Meyung, Susan and Mark Bolin, Dan and Angela Burwinkel, and Julie and Tom Palermo; and her many grandchildren and their spouses, Matt (Keeley) Burwinkel, Ben (Shelby) Burwinkel, and Nick Burwinkel, Anna Schmidt, Kristi (Jim) Goshdigian, Bridget Schmidt, and Adam Schmidt, Amy (Chris) Stamper, Stephanie (Luke) Resczynski, Kevin (Becca) Burwinkel, Kyle Burwinkel, Sarah Meyung, Tim (Mallorie) Meyung, Samantha (Luke) Combs, David Meyung, Jane Meyung, Emily Bolin, Mitchell Bolin, Andrew Bolin, Will Bolin, Francis Burwinkel, Perseus Burwinkel, Thomas Palermo, Nate Palermo, and Jack Palermo.  Maryann also leaves behind thirteen great grandchildren.  Maryann is survived by her brother, Harry (Carol) Fermann, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and her sister, Barb (Gary) Steinkuhl, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; as well as Hank’s sisters: Betty (Dick) Heideman, Cincinnati, Ohio, Alice (Tom) Mitter, Dayton, Ohio, and Nancy (John) Geary, Sebastian, Florida, and the late Eileen Hagedorn, Washington Courthouse, Ohio.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.  A larger celebration of Maryann’s beautiful life will be held in 2021.  Donations may be sent to Bellarmine Chapel, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, 4910 Para Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237, or a charity of your choice.