Mary Jo (Hallead) Pesano

Mary Jo (Hallead) Pesano, 81 (affectionately known as Kitty to her grandchildren), passed away peacefully at home in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, after a prolonged illness.

Mary Jo was born and raised in Port Huron, MI., but called Grand Rapids home for over 50 years.

She loved spending time in nature, taking long walks, and gardening.  She was quick to find beauty in the simple things. Above all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Mary Jo was also active at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Unity Church of Grand Rapids for many years.

Through her years of work as a social worker and massage therapist, she touched a multitude of lives.  Some of which became treasured friends over the years.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernice Willyoung Hallead, and her father, Roy Franklin Hallead, She is survived by her husband, Gary Burbridge, her 3 daughters, Laura White (Marc), Anna Curran (George), and Sara Murphy, twelve grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place on April 21, 2023, from 6 pm. to 8 pm in the Oak Leaf Lounge at the Thousand Oaks Golf Club, located at 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI.

In honor of Mary Jo, and in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to Emmanuel Hospice or Meca's Angels Caregivers. Donations can be sent to: Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503; www.emmanuelhospice.org/donate. Meca's Angels, 1254 52nd ST SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49508; www.mecasangels.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jo (Hallead) Pesano, please visit our floral store.