Marguerite Burkhead

Marguerite Louise (Green) Burkhead passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida on November 26, 2022. God blessed her with 88 years. Marguerite was born on July 16, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Fordyce and Edna (Schwan) Green. She spent her growing up years in Charlotte, Michigan, helping her Daddy in the family-owned grocery and meat market, “Green’s Market” on North Cochran Avenue. Marguerite attended Charlotte Public Schools, graduating with the class of ’52. After graduation, she attended college at Michigan State University. On June 16, 1956, Marguerite was joined in marriage to M Douglas Burkhead at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. After marrying into the Burkhead family, she then became a longtime partner and a supporter of operations and success of the Burkhead Funeral Home.
Marguerite was a very active lady around town! Even though she was busy raising a family, helping at the funeral home, and supporting her husband, Doug who was a longtime member of the Charlotte Fire Department, she still found time for others. Marguerite was a member of the GFWC, Charlotte Country Club, and Evening Belles. She served as president of the Nursery School, of Mobile Meals, and was extremely active in both. Marguerite was a very talented piano and organ player. She put those God-given talents to good use and blessed countless souls as she played uplifting hymns for many years at the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In later years, Doug and Marguerite moved away from Charlotte, relocating near Traverse City. Winters were spent in sunny and warm Fort Myers, Florida. Even though these were beautiful locations, their hometown always held a special place in her heart. Marguerite’s love and interest in Charlotte never waned and she would visit often with her friends and family back home. She always found a way to read the weekly County Journal from cover to cover to keep up on the latest news.
Many other things could be said about this amazing lady. She was a terrific seamstress and loved to sew. Marguerite was a gourmet cook in the fullest sense of the word. She was an avid gardener. She and Doug lived very full lives! Whether they were bowling, boating, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, or taking trips in their motorhome, they enjoyed doing those things together. Marguerite’s family was paramount to her. No one ever had to wonder whether or not Mom loved them. And while she will be deeply missed, knowing that she is home with the Lord is a tremendous comfort, even during this time of sorrow and grief.
Marguerite is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, M Douglas; daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother, Charley (Leann) Green of Charlotte; sister, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Marguerite’s life will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Minister Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. on Monday, prior to the Celebration of Life. Interment will take place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marguerite’s memory to the First Congregational Church UCC, 106 S. Bostwick St, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Marguerite’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.