Marjorie Ann Ahearn

Marjorie “Marge” Ann Burns Ahearn passed away on February 19th, 2026 shortly after celebrating her 91st birthday. Marjorie was born on February 5th, 1935 to George and Alice Burns of Marinette, Wisconsin. 

She attended high school in Marinette, Wisconsin. After high school graduation, she became a licensed cosmetologist. On September 8th, 1956 Marjorie married Cornelius Ahearn at St. Joseph’s Church in Marinette, Wisconsin. They were happily married for 63 years. 

For many years, Marge remained a stay at home mother for her eight children, while Con worked in the insurance industry. As the children went off to college and pursued their careers, Marge pursued her career in Early Childhood Education. Marge always loved a house full of people!! In the beginning, she was self-employed as a licensed daycare provider. Then, became employed by Learn “N” Play which was operated through Pennock Hospital. She had a life long love of working with toddlers and preschoolers. Marge became close with the children and their families throughout her life. Many of the children stayed in contact through graduation, wedding and birth announcements (eventually Facebook). 

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius (June 6th, 2019), her daughters Maureen Knorp, Kathleen Knudsen, grandson Christopher Ahearn, sisters Sandra Burns, Barbara Larson, Mary Plemel, and brothers Roger, Richard and Francis Burns. 

Marjorie is survived by her children, Alice (Jeffery) Morrill, Jean Ahearn, Cornelius G (Brenda) Ahearn, Russell Knorp, Dan (Cathy) Ahearn, PJ (Michelle) Ahearn, and Shawn (Mindy) Ahearn: her grandchildren Brandon (Jane) Morrill, Caitlin Morrill, Brooke (Keith) Oleneack, Bethany (Nathan) Stowe, Cornelius E (Tiffany) Ahearn, Jonathan Ahearn, Jack (Caitlyn) Ahearn, Thomas (Chelsea) Ahearn, Joseph Ahearn, Daniel (Sierrah) Knorp, Natalie (Ryan) Burger, Michael (Ashley) Ahearn , Chelsea (Donnie) Myers, Matthew (Heidi) Ahearn, Shannon (Nate) Janzen, Steven (Amanda)Ahearn, Kyle (Paige) Ahearn, Kathleen Ahearn, Sophia Ahearn, Teague Westra and 27 great grandchildren. She has one surviving sibling, William Burns of Marinette, Wisconsin. 

Marge will be missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will miss her memorable stories and her well-loved family recipes for oyster crackers, no egg chocolate cake and cheesy bread. She always loved preparing homemade meals that were appreciated by everyone. She had a love of crafts including knitting hats, mittens, scarves and blankets for her children and grandchildren. Marge and Con were active volunteers at St. Rose of Lima Church in Hastings. 

Her family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Thornapple Manor for their excellent care over the last three years. Your kindness and compassionate care will not be forgotten. A special thank you to Elara Hospice who provided additional care and support in her final days. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s honor can be made to the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 West Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 or the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 S Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI 49508. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058, with visitation held one hour prior.

To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.