Judith Ann Burns

Judith Burns (Judy) passed away peacefully on October 3, 2014 at Tendercare Health & Rehab Center of Holland, in Holland, Michigan. Judy was born on October 20, 1939 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan to Helen Kaashoek (Snowburger) and Roy Kaashoek.

Judy married her high school sweetheart, John Burns on April 2, 1960. John and Judy had their first child, daughter Julie. They soon moved to Chicago and then to Palatine, Illinois where they built a beautiful new house. They had their second child, son John and their third child, daughter Jacqueline Marie.

Judy loved being a stay-at-home. This was her dream. She was so proud of her family and her home and loved and cherished this beyond anything else.

Judy’s husband John unexpectedly passed away in January of 1991. Having not worked outside of the home for many years, she found the perfect job. She became a Sorority House Director at Delta Delta Delta at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. She accepted the same position at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and moved there in 1996. Judy loved her job and all of the girls in the sorority throughout the years. Judy also had many good friends throughout her life all of whom were dear to her and for whom she had fond memories of time spent together.

To Judy, her greatest accomplishment was first, being a Mom and then, a Grandma. She was so excited to have 3 grandsons, all very close in age, and then a granddaughter. She could always be heard talking about each one of her grandchildren and loved watching them play hockey, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, and dance. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, as were her 3 children.

Judy is survived by her children: Julie Burns of Potomac Falls, Virginia, John (Cari) Burns of Holland, Michigan, and Jacqueline (Thomas) Ross of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; her grandchildren: Brian and Ben Burns, and Kevin and Colleen Ross; her sisters: Susan Powers of Stonewood, Michigan and Sally Smith of Kentwood, Michigan; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Maggie.

Judy’s family wishes to give a very special thank you to Evanston Hospital, Hospice of Holland, and Tendercare Health & Rehab Center of Holland.

Judy will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

A memorial mass will take place 10:30am Friday, October 10, 2014 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 100 St. Peter’s Drive, Douglas, MI 49406.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Holland. For more information please visit their site at www.hollandhospice.org/giving/ or send to their address 270 Hoover Boulevard, Holland, Michigan 49423.