Mrs. Charlene Ann Burns (Nowak)

Charlene Burns was an individual who always saw the bright side of life. Her glorious smile and wonderful sense of humor kept family and friends in happy company. Charlene’s devout faith was always present in her life and gave comfort to her children in her last days. Charlene was born December 18, 1932 in Wayland, Michigan to John and Elizabeth Nowak. She was blessed with 3 sisters and one brother, Evelyn, John, Betty, and Margie. Raised on a dairy farm, Charlene often shared fond memories of her life in Wayland. Two such memories are reading in the barn loft on rainy days listening to the patter of raindrops on the metal roof and the other memory is of the wafting smell coming from the lilac tree outside her bedroom window. Upon graduation from Wayland Union High School, Charlene left rural life behind and came to Grand Rapids. Using her shorthand skills, Charlene was employed by General Electric in downtown Grand Rapids. Charlene’s life took a new direction when she was introduced to Arthur Burns through their good friends, Barb and Ken. They went on a blind date to Grand Haven, which was the beginning of a “beautiful relationship”. After a 2 year courtship, Charlene and Arthur were happily married at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Wayland on September 13, 1958 and took a honeymoon at Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula. At the time of their nuptials, the couple was building a new house for them to raise their family in, but Arthur had some finishing work still to do, so they couldn’t move in until December. Over the next couple of years, Charlene and Arthur filled their hearts and home with the joy of laughter of five children: Julia (1959), Patrick (1960), Louise (1961), Theresa (1962), and Diane (1966). Charlene was a devoted wife until the death of Arthur on May 11, 2010. Charlene was often seen in the “Burns bus” aka family station wagon, carting her children and neighborhood children to St. James School and West Catholic for various events and sporting activities. On certain days she was speedily going to more than one game, match, or meet. Her children were so very important to her. As the children started leaving the nest, Charlene took a job with Geskus Studios helping with school photos. She still participated in a bowling league and continued to enjoy a round of golf. She continued with these sports well into her 80’s. Traveling became an enjoyment once Art retired. A trip to Ireland for their 25th wedding anniversary was an experience that Charlene often remembered with fondness. Even sharing these memories in April of this year. When grandchildren started coming along, Charlene became an involved, loving presence in their lives. Baking her famous cream cheese filled cupcakes, macaroons, or brownie pie, was always a welcome treat. Sunday lunches with the whole gang became a delightful tradition for many years. After a visit from any one of her grandchildren, Charlene always topped off the visit with her famous words, “If it’s wrong and everybody is doing it, it’s still wrong!” Charlene was proud of each and every grandchild. And when great grandchildren came along, GiGi had even more love to share! For many summers, Charlene would join her daughters and granddaughters at a cottage on or near a lake. She loved the beach! Grand Haven (Charlene’s old haunt) and Pentwater were the two locals of these vacations. A stay would always include a robust game of Scrabble which Charlene often won. After Charlene and Art got married, she became a member of St. James Catholic Church, where Art was a lifelong member. Charlene continued to be parishioner until its closing in 2022. Upon this closure, she became a member of Holy Spirit Church. As Charlene started to slow down after her stroke in 2019, she continued to be involved with the happenings of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Many weddings, births, birthday parties, first communions, and visits from friends filled her days. Skip Bo became a staple game that she enjoyed with her visitors and again, like Scrabble, she often was the winner! A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Charlene will be deeply missed and remembered always. Mrs. Charlene Ann Burns (Nowak) age 91, of Grand Rapids passed away surrounded by her children on Thursday July 11, 2024. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Nowak, beloved husband of 51 years Arthur Burns, sisters; Evelyn (Bernard) Rybicki, Betty (Jack) Tompkins, brother John (Mary) Nowak, sisters-in-law; Donna (Bill) DeFouw, Dolores (John) Parbel, Mildred (Richard) Prince and Cherene (Robert) Burns. Charlene is survived by her children; Julia (Ric) Erickson, Patrick (Laura) Burns, Louise (Raymond) Amash, Theresa (Joe) Lipski, and Diane (Mike) Miller. Charlene will be greatly missed by her 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Margaret (Charles) Wila, brother-in-law Jack Tompkins, and sisters-in-law Barbara Burns and Mary Lou (Robert) Blackwell. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday July 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Church. Mrs. Burns will repose at the church one hour before the Mass. Interment St. Mary’s Church Cemetery, Marne. The family will receive visitors Tuesday July 16, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 7:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice Care.

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Mrs. Charlene Ann Burns (Nowak)

December 18, 1932 - July 11, 2024