For Joan, from early childhood, every day was a blessed day - if there was a dog in her life and "dog-owners-in-training", including surviving husband (John-55 years) and their three children, Mark (partner, Marcia), Brian (spouse, Tasaday) and Shannon (d. 8/19/20). Joan spent her life as an active member of the Catholic Church that Jesus founded (Mt 16:18-20). Born in Manhattan, baptized on 4/18/43 at Annunciation Church in the Bronx. With her parents, Irish immigrants, Elizabeth O'Connor Burke and Ignatius Patrick Burke, and three sibs, Joan spent all of her growing up years in Rye, NY, a suburb of NYC. Joan attended Catholic Schools from Kindergarten through the College of New Rochelle (NY) where she was a Spanish major. She continued with postgraduate education at The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, as well as in Spain and in Mexico. As a 25-year-old adult, marriage, family, neighborhood and community activities (and dogs!) were Joan's life priorities, along with teaching Spanish at the Middle and HS levels. The highlight of Joan's teaching career was participating for many years as a member of the founding faculty at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA). Another of her gifts was to participate, assist and serve in a variety of ways as a good neighbor, a member of a variety of Catholic Parishes and in community activities. When children, Shannon & Brian, were diagnosed with Type I Diabetes under the ages of five and two, Joan took the initiative to organize a local chapter of the Washington State Diabetes Association to provide needed education and support to adults, children, and family members living with this disease. "Daffodils for diabetes" and "Clark County bike-a-thons" for fundraising in addition to regular week-long summer camp experiences at the Oregon Gales Creek Camp for Diabetic Children (two sibs later working in Staff roles) were, for many years, part of the family routine. Joan was a natural beauty with few illusions or concerns about the importance of physical appearance (a perspective instilled in her by her Irish mother - see Psalm 103). Nevertheless, as a youngster, Joan was often selected to play the role of the Blessed Mother in parochial school May "crownings" and Christmas pageants, including in the outdoor Nativity scene in her home City of Rye, NY. She was also regularly selected as a member of "prom courts" in later years. Joan earned her water lifesaving credential as a young woman after spending many summer mornings for many years taking swimming lessons in the chilly waters at Rye Beach on Long Island Sound. Joan's lifetime was one of physical vigor as a young woman, an adult wife, a busy at-home mother, an active classroom teacher and an advocate for children with special needs long before the ADA. In her 8th decade, Joan experienced increasing cognitive decline and diminution of physical abilities due to Dementia. Throughout these late life challenges, Joan exhibited her Irish spirit and religious faith, despite some dark periods and setbacks, and with frequent expressions of determination as well as gratitude for the many blessings of her life and for the care and assistance provided by family, friends and care Providers. Her life example inspired her two grandchildren, Collin Anthony (b. 2010) and Riley Elizabeth Marie Turner (b. 2013) (parents, Tasaday and Brian) and the network of other family members, coworkers, neighbors and friends. Joan's major life accomplishment was assisting her husband, John, to become a somewhat better person and more consistent follower of Jesus. He continues that assignment! Joan leaves behind her older brother, John Burke and wife, Marie of Des Plaines, IL and their daughters, Katherine Burke (and daughter, Vivian) of Stow, OH, and Michele Burke of Arlington Heights, IL; Joan's younger sister, Regina, husband John Vassak (N.Salem, NY) and their three adult sons: Greg Vassak & wife, Kristi of Brewster, NY (children, Katie and Sean); Jimmy Vassak & wife, Rachel (Ridgewood, NJ) and daughters, Serena, Natalie and Clara; and Paul Vassak and wife, Marela, (Wykoff, NJ) and twin daughters, Gabriella and Isabella; and Joan's younger brother, Kevin and wife Elise (Mamaroneck, NY). Her 1st cousin, Vivian "Pat" Burke, age 92, the matriarch of the family, continues to be the inspiration and "hero" for Joan and for all of the aforementioned members of the Burke clan. A special note of heartfelt gratitude for the generous physical assistance, emotional support, and prayers of many family members, neighbors and friends from the local community, from the St. John Evangelist faith community, the local HOPE Dementia Support Group and the dedicated Nurses and Staff of the Kaiser Comfort Care & Hospice Team as well as the Care Team of "The Cottage" at Highgate Senior Living in Hazel Dell. Joan's Funeral Mass and luncheon reception will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift/donation to one of the two following agencies, both close to Joan's heart:
" Foundation for VPS (Vancouver Public schools)" with a specific designation of the gift for, "The Vancouver school for arts and academics -VSAA-in Memory of founding faculty member, Joan Turner" - Mail to: VPS, PO Box 6039, Vancouver, WA 98668, or give online.

"Gales Creek Camp Foundation" 6950 SW Hampton St. Suite 242 Tigard, OR 97223. Designate the gift as in memory of Joan Turner, mother of 1980 campers, Shannon and Brian Turner. Online donations can also be made at the Gales Creek Camp Foundation website - with the appropriate memorial designation.