Joyce Kathryn Burns

Our Joyce, “Joy to the World” passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021.

Joyce was born in South Bend, Indiana on February 25, 1930 to parents Roy and Kathryn Nicholson. So aptly named Joyce, she lived life to the fullest!

Joyce was predeceased by her siblings Sara (Calendine), Robert, Alan and Roy. Loving mom to Bob, Tim (Nathan), Cindy and Sue Jackowski (Keith).

“My grandma” to Michelle, Shane (Claire) and Casey. Great Grandma to Theo (Shane and Claire).

Joyce graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. She was a member of the EN Club. “Club” met for lunches and high school reunions for many, many years.

Joyce married Robert Burns in 1950. They were “lovebirds” for 65 years before Robert passed away in 2016.

She loved her home of 51 years on Woodside in Pleasant Ridge. Joyce was an avid master gardener and received the Pleasant Ridge Beautification Award. The Burns home gardens and yard were stunning! Joyce was active in the Woodsiders Block group. She loved hosting the Christmas Eve candle lighting celebrations and served Cold Duck for all (to keep warm).

Joyce retired from Ferndale Public Schools where she was an Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent. Joyce was awarded Employee of the Year. She enjoyed “singing” with the Central Belles at Christmas.

Joyce loved to host parties, lunches, dinners and socializing with a glass of white wine with ice. She loved cooking special family recipes including pasties and puffs (Yum!)

She always kept the grandchildren fed with their favorite snacks and attended all of their concerts, dance recitals, art shows and sporting events.

Joyce was a world traveler. She liked London the best followed by walks on Fort Walton Beach, thimbleberry picking at the family cottage in Bete Grise, weekend outings with the “outlaws”, sailing on Lake St. Clair, social golfing, reading the Free Press and doing the Word Jumble puzzle at 4am each morning.

Joyce will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate, empathetic, loving and creative person. She had a heart of gold. Joyce had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and have fun.

The family of Joyce Burns wishes to thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy and support.

Joyce will be cremated and interred with husband, Robert Burns at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan. A memorial luncheon to celebrate Joyce’s life will be planned for Spring, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org

Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road Suite 100. Southfield, MI 48033-7443.