Joyce L Burk

Joyce Lynda Burk, 79, of Fallston, Maryland, passed away on October 6, 2026. Joyce was born on October 18, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Svante Emil Hugo Nyborg and Marie Frances Pawlik Nyborg, both first-generation Americans.

In 1965, Joyce married the love of her life, Herbert M. Burk, and together they built a marriage and a family that would span more than six decades. Their marriage was built on a foundation of hard work and dedication to creating a life that would ultimately fulfill their dreams.

After introducing their daughters to horseback riding, Joyce and Herb built a home with a horse farm so the girls could pursue their passion for competitive riding. Joyce spent countless hours at horse shows on Saturdays, while Sundays were reserved for boating on the Chesapeake Bay — a rhythm of family life she cherished.

After raising her children, Joyce returned to the workforce and built a successful career as Director of Sales and Marketing and eventually General Manager for several hotel chains. She built an extraordinary career in an industry traditionally dominated by men and characterized by specialized educational requirements. Through her talent, perseverance, and vision, she broke barriers, opened doors for others, and left a lasting legacy of achievement and leadership.

Though not affiliated with a particular church at the time of her death, Joyce held an incredible devotion to and faith in God that guided her throughout her life.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Herbert M. Burk; her loving daughters, Michele Ann O’Connor and her husband, Bryan, of White Hall, Maryland, and Melissa Lynn Hyde and her partner Stephen Olert of Sparks, Maryland; her four cherished grandchildren, Sydney Hyde (and her husband, Mark Niedzwiecki), Catherine O’Connor, Zachary Hyde, and Alexander O’Connor; her brother, George Nyborg, and his wife, Debbie, of Fallston, Maryland; her sister-in-law, Dora Nyborg and brother-in-law, William Atkins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Svante Emil Hugo Nyborg and Marie Frances Pawlik Nyborg, her brother, Hugo Nyborg, her sister-in-law Anne Atkins, and her son-in-law, William Hyde.

You are warmly invited to join the family in honoring Joyce's life. A memorial gathering will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 3-6 PM, memorial service will begin at 5:30 PM. A Celebration of Joyce's Life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Manor Tavern~Saddle Room, 15819 Old York Rd., Monkton, MD 21111, from 12 PM to 3PM. All are invited to attend both gatherings as we honor and celebrate her life. Interment private.