Eliza Burns Obituary

Eliza J. Burns
Died June 25, 2025
PESHAWBESTOWN – Eliza Jane Burns, 64, of Peshawbestown, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the University of Michigan Health–Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI, surrounded by her loving family.
Eliza was born on August 18, 1960, in Northport, (MI) the daughter of Sylvester Petoskey and Louise Chippewa.
A proud Grand Traverse Band tribal member, she worked as an assistant teacher and also held roles in prevention, optical, gaming services, and with Strongheart. A passionate water advocate, she gave wholeheartedly to her family and community and was known for her delicious fry bread, warm spirit, love of sports-especially softball-, her love of walking and her wonderful silliness that brought smiles to those around her. She loved Motown music and lived by the values of compassion and service.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose strength, kindness, and humor touched everyone she met. Her legacy of love, generosity, cultural pride, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A legendary grandma.
Eliza is survived by her children, Melissa Petoskey, Lawrence Burns Jr., Ashley Burns and Charity Burns (Step-Daugher) her grandchildren, Darius Lopez, Linda Petoskey, Lawerence Burns III, Xavier Burns, Isabella Klingelsmith, Juliet Klingelsmith, Destiny Walker, Anna Floyd, Nakisha Floyd, Ayldia Floyd; and her siblings, Joan Petoskey, Glenda Petoskey, Donna Swallows, John Petoskey, Wyman Chippewa, Billy Petoskey, Glen Petoskey, Diana Taula, Joyce Petoskey, Janice Petoskey, Greg Petoskey. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Robert Petoskey, Gary Chippewa, Brenda Whiteye, Stevie Petoskey, Karen Nichols, Terrance Petoskey, and Leona May.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Peshawbestown, with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in St. Kateri Cemetery.
Please share condolences and memories with Eliza's family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
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