Tiffany M. Burkey

McDonald - Tiffany M. Burkey, 49, passed away on September 2, 2025, at Mercy Health's St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, after facing cancer with the same courage she displayed throughout her life.

Born on October 21, 1975 in Youngstown, Ohio, Tiffany was the cherished daughter of Darlene A. (Ulakovich) Burkey.

Raised in Youngstown, Tiffany was a gradaute of Chaney High School, Class of 1993, and earned her degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University. Her commitment to community service was evident through her 14-year career as a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hiram Post. Upon the opening of Hollywood Gaming at the Mahoning Valley Race Course in 2014, Tiffany accepted a position in security and most recently was working the racino's VLT. 

Tiffany found joy in life's simple pleasures and enjoyed outings with her mom to play bingo, garage saling, and shopping. October, the month of her birth, was one of her favorite times of the year, with Halloween being the pinnacle of her festive spirit. Tiffany had an adventurous spirit, and she was a thrill-seeker who loved to experience life to the fullest. A memorable highlight was skydiving in Hawaii with her son Aidan, an experience that epitomized her fearless approach to life.

Above all, Tiffany was a devoted and loving mother to Aidan, who was the light of her life. Her pride in his achievements knew no bounds, and she was overjoyed to witness him graduate from the United States Air Force's Basic Military Training Program in Texas, just a few short weeks ago.

Tiffany will be deeply missed by her mom, Darlene Burkey; her son, Aidan Connolly; and her adored cats, Gray and Peps.

A time of gathering and celebration to honor Tiffany's life will be announced in the future.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Salem.

To view Tiffany's obituary and send condolences to the family, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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