About Frances Marie Burke
Lived 1922 – 2017 (aged 95). Frances Marie Burke was an American model and beauty pageant contestant.
Frances Marie Kenney (née Burke; May 4, 1922 – December 2, 2017) was an American beauty pageant contestant who was the winner of Miss America in 1940.
Biography Burke was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was crowned Miss America at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on September 7, 1940.
She competed in the pageant as Miss Philadelphia.
After winning the Miss America title Burke worked as a successful model. Despite opportunities in Hollywood, she chose to stay close to her family in Philadelphia.
Burke was married to Lawrence Kenney for 72 years and had four children (Missy, Wendy, Lawrence, and William) and was the grandmother of five boys and five girls.
She died at the home of her daughter on December 2, 2017, at the age of 95.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Frances Marie Burke?
American model (1922–2017)
When was Frances Marie Burke born?
Frances Marie Burke was born on 4 May 1922 in Philadelphia.
When did Frances Marie Burke die?
Frances Marie Burke died on 2 December 2017 in Haverford.
What was Frances Marie Burke's occupation?
Frances Marie Burke was a model and beauty pageant contestant.
What nationality was Frances Marie Burke?
Frances Marie Burke was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Frances Marie Burke
· DBpedia: Frances Marie Burke
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Frances Marie Burke. https://biography.guide/frances-marie-burke/
MLA: "Frances Marie Burke." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/frances-marie-burke/.
Chicago: "Frances Marie Burke." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/frances-marie-burke/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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