Obituary of Madeleine A. Burns

Madeleine Ann (Geyer) Burns, 83, of Vineland, NJ, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in her sleep on the morning of Friday, December 29th, 2023, in the comfort of her home. Madge was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Elizabeth Geyer on April 24, 1940. She was a 1958 graduate of St. Hubert Catholic High School in Philadelphia. After graduation she began working with Bell Telephone on Market Street in the city. Her career there did not last too long as she met and fell in love with a handsome soldier, her husband of 55 years, the late Robert Burns. They married in 1962, and soon after moved to South Jersey and began her blessed and devoted life as a mother of six. Madge became a homemaker and dedicated her full attention to raising her six children for many years. She realized that she loved the childcare aspect of her life so much that she decided to work at Little Acres Daycare Center in Vineland for 25 years until retirement.

Madge had the biggest heart and most infectious smile. Her fun-loving personality and wit always lit up the room, and anyone who was lucky enough to have met her, even if just once, could never forget her. She was a devout Catholic and was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, currently known as St. Padre Pio, in Vineland. The parish of St. Padre Pio and her Catholic faith meant the world to her and she was a constant in the pews there. In the years following her retirement, Madge, with Bob at her side, spent much of her time traveling. She loved going on vacations and taking cruises to see the world. From Italy to the Caribbean, to Alaska; the stories of her travels will live on forever with her children and grandchildren.

Even greater than the enjoyment of her travels, was the infinite love and joy that filled her heart when spending time with her twelve grandchildren and four great-granddaughters. She was the biggest supporter at their countless sporting events, graduations, recitals; you name it, Madge was truly the number one fan. She was the best grandmother anyone could ever ask for, as she thoroughly embraced being a primary caregiver for her grandchildren and was closely involved in each and every one of their lives. Madge also delighted in relaxing by the pool or at the beach, cheering on the Phillies and Eagles, canoeing, bowling, going out to eat, and spending as much time as she possibly could with her family and friends.

Madeleine is survived and deeply missed by her six children and their spouses, Christopher and Joni Burns of Galloway Township, NJ; Terry and Chris Russo, of Brigantine, NJ; Jackie and Jack Kelley of Vineland, NJ; Kelly and Wally Shope of Franklinville, NJ; Scott Burns of Vineland, NJ; and Drs. Colleen and John Everett of Smyrna, DE. She was the most loving grandmother (Mommom) and will forever be cherished and remembered by Brittany (& Scott), Scott Michael, Nicolette, Shannon, Cavan, Alexa, Geyer, Kristen, Falcon, Logan, Charlotte, and Violet. She was also blessed to become an amazing great-grandmother to Quinn, Teagan, Emersyn, and Gracelynn. Madge was predeceased by her husband, Robert Burns, her mother Elizabeth Geyer, and her aunt Anna Geyer.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday January 6, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:30am followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 11:30am at Padre Pio Parish, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 4680 Dante Ave, Vineland, NJ. Burial will follow at Saint Mary's Church Cemetery, 736 Union Rd, Vineland, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madeleine's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.