Joyce Marie Burkhart

Joyce was born February 6, 1934, in Hyde Park, Berks County, PA, daughter of Peter A. and Mabel K. Boaman. Joyce attended Holy Guardian Angels grade school in Laureldale, then Central Catholic High School in Reading, PA, graduating with First Honors in 1951. Joyce married Robert Edwin Burkhart from Muhlenberg Township in 1956. Robert was employed by IBM in 1957 for 37 years. Joyce always said she fell head over heels in love with Bob and was still head over heels in love with him after being married for 60 years. Together they had nine children, eight of whom lived. In Kingston, NY, their son Robert Anthony was born; in Bedford, MA, their daughter Karen Marie and son Daniel Peter were born. In Wichita, KS, their other two daughters, Therese Katherine and Monica Ellen were born. In Merritt Island, FL, William Paul, Joseph Andrew, and Michael John were born. Joyce had 8 surviving children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, and one great grandson.

In her 40s Joyce achieved a 4.0 GPA taking 42 credit hours in college. Her favorite pastimes were reading and gardening. She grew gardenias in Florida and 14 different kinds of irises in Pflugerville, TX. She said the best time of her life was when her children lived at home, growing up. She enjoyed watching birds, especially cardinals. Her last residence was The Lodge a retirement community where she had many friends. Joyce had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. As a wife, mother, and friend, Joyce was selfless and loving.

A memorial service celebrating Joyce's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation at: www.rls.org/donate-today.