THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame songwriter Doc Pomus and his wife, actress Wilma “willi” Burke; with their daughter Sharyn. (Courtesy of Sharyn Felder)
WESTVILLE — Schlarman High School graduate Wilma “Willi” Burke, who grew up singing in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was the inspiration for her songwriter husband Doc Pomus’ famous song “Save the Last Dance for Me” and made it big on stage and screen, has died.
Granddaughter Lily Pomus posted on social media that Mrs. Burke passed away Sunday evening surrounded by loved ones. She was 93.
“She moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress, which she achieved beyond what she even imagined. She was the most kind, motivating and beautiful woman. She was loved by everyone who knew her,” Pomus wrote. “She spoke of Westville constantly and loved it so much. She always hoped to visit together. She was so proud of her hometown and a salt of the earth person.”
While Burke isn’t as well-known as other Vermilion County celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and Bobby Short, she achieved her own dreams and starred on stage and screen in several productions, including “Fiorello!” and “A Doll’s Life” on Broadway, “The Big C,” “Nurse Jackie” and “One Life to Live” on television and the films “Just Tell Me What You Want” and “Choke.”
Also, just this year, The Library of Congress announced it had acquired the collection of Burke’s husband Doc Pomus, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame songwriter who wrote or co-wrote hits such as “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Teenager in Love,” and “This Magic Moment.” He died in 1991.
Their wedding reception inspired the song “Save the Last Dance for Me”.
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