Martha Burns

Martha J. Burns, 86, of Menominee passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on July 14, 1938, to the late Fred and Mary (Vallier) Shampine in Garden, MI. She graduated from Manistique High School 1956. She worked as a cook at Bay Area Medical Center for 20 years, the State of Michigan in Native American Outreach, and as an election helper. She met Harold Cheek with whom she started her family. She had her first child, Mary Louise, who most knew as “ChiChi”, fun fact: her sister and her agreed whoever had the first girl, got her mom’s name. She then had a son, James Patrick who most knew as “Brown”, named after her brother. She would later marry Bob Burns with whom she had her third child, Marcia Marie, also known as “Pootie”. Martha then met the “love of her life”, Alphonse A. and was blessed with 39 years together. She was a member of Holy Spirit Church, St. Annes Sodality, the Senior Center. She celebrated 50 years sobriety. Martha was very compassionate, had many friends, and was well thought of. Her life was family, church, and AA. Her grandchildren were such a blessing to her.

Martha is survived by her son, James “Brown” Cheek of Menominee; daughter, Mary “ChiChi” Cheek of Marinette; sister in law, Ruth Ward of Two Rivers; grandchildren, Terri (Brandon) Harris and Sarah (Rusty) Cairns both of Marinette; great grandchildren: Ahrianna, Isabella, and Alexander. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Al; her daughter, Marcia “Pootie” Burns; sister, Nancy (Emil) Radmer; and brother, James Ward.

Visitation will be held at Thielen Funeral Home on Thursday, September, 19th from 11:30am until 2:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church at 3pm with Fr. Abraham Mupparatha officiating.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.