Joyce Elaine Burns

In Loving Memory of Joyce Elaine (Farnsworth) Burns

Joyce Elaine (Farnsworth) Burns, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 11, 2024 at CopperStone Assisted Living. Born on April 24, 1935 in Racine, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of William and Bernice Farnsworth.

Joyce attended Horlick High School and started working at Walgreens Drug store. She met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Burns, at work, and the two were married on July 23, 1955. They created a life filled with love and companionship, raising six children and celebrating 41 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in May 1996.

As an avid sports fan, Joyce loved cheering on her favorite Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. She found happiness in hobbies such as baking, gardening, golfing and bowling, remaining active in leagues for both golf and bowling well into her 80s. For nearly 50 years, she was a devoted member of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. 

Joyce was renowned for her thoughtfulness, never missing an occasion to send a heartfelt card. Above all, her greatest joy was the time spent with her family. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love.

Joyce is survived by her children: Michael (Nancy Breitenstein) Burns, Joan (Patrick) Baptist, Patrick (Cathy) Burns, John (Therese) Burns, Joseph Burns, and Richard Burns; her seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her sisters: Betty Proeber, Barbara (Ronald) Hussong, and Marie (Dennis) Franco. She is also remembered fondly by her sister-in-law Jill Coates, and many other extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bernice Farnsworth, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Catherine Burns, her husband Bob, and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The Burns family would like to express their profound gratitude to the caring staff at CopperStone Assisted Living for the attentive and gentle manner in which they cared for Joyce. During her time there, she formed meaningful relationships with friends and staff, enhancing her quality of life and bringing her comfort in her final years. 

 A Funeral Mass to honor Joyce’s life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place at the church that morning from 9:00a.m. until the time of Mass. A committal service will follow at Riverside Cemetery at approximately 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to support the education of Joyce’s great-grandchildren, ensuring her love and dedication to family lives on for generations to come.