JUDY ANN BURNS

Judy Ann Skiba was born in Mt. Clemens, MI on July 24, 1948, to the late Joseph and Ruth (Jackson) Skiba. She grew up in Troy, Michigan, and graduated from St. Benedict’s High School in 1967. She married Gordon Burns on Dec. 23, 1967. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon James Burns, daughter, Dawn Marie Burns.

She is survived by her son Jim (Karin) Burns of Dexter, and her daughter, Melissa Burns of Alpena. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Alyssa (Jacob) Barsen, Adrienne Puryear, Josh Burns, Erin Burns, and Sarah Burns. She is survived by Joseph (Suzanne) Skiba, Janice (Robert) Gibb, James (Denise) Skiba, John (Jack) (Esther) Skiba, Joan (Tom) Crampton, and Jean (Mark) Mitchell. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law Evelyn Alexander, Carol LaCross, Wahnita Rupprecht, and Mary Burns.

Judy had many lifelong friends including Denise Cooper, Nancy Repke, Thomasine Partyka, Glena Lilley, Cindy Kelly, and her happy hour crew at the Yacht Club Apartments in Venice, Florida. She was known for her contagious laugh.

Judy met the love of her life on Manning Hill in the summer of 1965. Soon after their engagement, Gordon was drafted into the Vietnam War, stationed in Seoul, South Korea. They were married on Dec. 23, 1967, at St. Alan Church in Troy. During his service, they lived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before they settled in Michigan to continue raising their family. Gordon and Judy were married 53 years.

Judy spent her professional career giving back to her community through service and faith including St. Mary’s and St. John the Baptist Catholic Churches through various roles. In 1985, she studied at Central Michigan University while beginning her successful career as an agent for State Farm, earning numerous recognitions. Judy paved the way for many other women business-owners in her field.

She has also volunteered for many organizations throughout her lifetime including Art in the Loft, Relay for Life, Hospice, and Zonta to name a few. One of her most notable accomplishments is leading the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Committee in the construction of the church.

In 1996, after the death of her daughter, Dawn, she founded Friends Together, a cancer support organization in Northeast Michigan, helping thousands of individuals and families coping with a cancer experience. Her most important life’s work was dedicated to helping those affected by cancer until her retirement in 2024.

Although she spent most of her time contributing to her community, Judy enjoyed working in her garden and planting flowers. She loved to travel and plan gatherings for others. Judy loved watching the Tigers, especially the last few years. Her creative hobbies included painting and many other community projects.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Bannan Funeral Home from 2 to 8 p.m. with a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Emmanuel Finbarr officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to Friends Together.