Penny Lee Burke

Penny Lee Burke passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024. She was born on May 11, 1947, to the late Mary Marguerite and Roderick Muma in Pontiac, Michigan. Sadly, her father passed away unexpectedly just before Penny’s 4th birthday. Her mother was then married to Robert K. Russell, Sr., who adopted her as his daughter. She grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Ernest W. Seaholm High School. Penny attended Kent State University before transferring and graduating from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa with a bachelor’s degree. She was a proud member of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority during her time at Drake.

On August 8, 1970, Penny married the love of her life, Geoffrey Gordon Burke and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. They have lived in Cascade Township for 48 years. Prior to having children, Penny was a schoolteacher and then dedicated her time volunteering including with the Junior League and raising her three children. Later, she was proud of her time working at Cascade Christian Church.

Penny loved spending time at the family cottage in Lake City, Michigan, traveling near and far, and wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She was a fabulous cook and really enjoyed being in the sunshine, planting and arranging flowers, golf and spending time with family and friends. She was an amazing host and loved entertaining.

Her memory will forever be held in the hearts of her surviving family; husband, Geoff Burke; son, Christian Burke; daughter, Karyn Ferrick; daughter, Heather Burke (Christopher Bailey); grandchildren, Max and Drew Ferrick; and siblings, Jane Ann Davis and Robert K. Russell, Jr. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lynn McCrindle and her loving dog, Ashley.

A celebration of Penny Lee’s life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Cascade Christian Church located at 2829 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. A visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a service at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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