M. Joy Burke

Marva Joy Burke

Joy passed away on February 15, 2025, at her home in Pocatello, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 27, 1936, in Vernal, Utah, the second daughter of four girls to Blanche and Marvin Smith. She lived on a farm in Vernal until she graduated high school. She attended Utah State, did her residency at University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a degree in Dietetics. She went to work at a hospital in Idaho Falls where friends introduced her to Jay Burke, they married in 1963. They lived in Blackfoot until they settled in Pocatello where they raised their two daughters, Valerie and Debi. 

Joy worked at several hospitals, including Pocatello Regional Medical Center, as head of food service. She then worked with Idaho Head Start as she semi-retired in Lava Hot Springs. She was active in the American Dietetic Association. 

Joy and Jay always loved Lava Hot Springs and after Jay retired, they bought a house there and called it home for the last 29 years. Once in Lava, she became an active member in Post 88 of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Lava Historical Museum.

Known for her infectious warmth and boundless love, Joy was the heart and soul of our family. Her generous spirit, compassion, and radiant smile will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Whether she was telling a story with a twinkle in her eye or offering a listening ear, she had an incredible gift for making everyone around her feel special and loved.

Her love of life was matched only by her passion for adventure. A dedicated master bridge player, she could often be found at the table, winning hearts and hands alike. Her strategic mind and competitive spirit made her a formidable player, but it was her kindness and ability to make every game fun that left a lasting impression on all her fellow players.

Flowers were another great love of hers. She had an extraordinary talent for nurturing gardens that bloomed with a kaleidoscope of colors, each petal a reflection of her care and patience. Whether tending to roses, tulips, or wildflowers, she was happiest surrounded by the beauty of nature, always eager to share her knowledge with others.

She was a true wine connoisseur; she loved going to her wine tasting group where it was her ability to make every gathering feel like a celebration that made these moments unforgettable.

Above all, she was a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. She poured her heart into her family, always there to support, encourage, and love unconditionally. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and love.

Joy leaves behind Valerie Yeremin (Aleksey), Debi Neelan (Michael), Four grandchildren, Devin Burke Dwyer (Krista), Shelby Neelan, Leeza Yeremin, Dasha Yeremin, and two great grandchildren Bexley Jay Porter and Bellamy Dwyer, and sisters Marlea Beckstead, Gail Jenkins and Wanetta Fawcett (Loren); who will forever hold her in their hearts. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Brownie. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Jay Burke and is now reunited with them in a place where the gardens bloom and the wine flows endlessly.

Our family would also like to express our gratitude to the nurses, doctors and the staff of Heritage Hospice. Thank you for taking such professional and personal care of Joy in these last moments of her life. As well as answering our many questions and providing support around the clock for us. We would also like to acknowledge Tina Coffman Wojcik for the companionship and care she showed Joy during this last year for which we are very grateful.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends at Manning Wheatley Funeral home on Saturday February 22, 2025. The viewing will be 12:00pm and the Services 1:00pm and will be buried in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery in Idaho Falls immediately after the service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lava Historical Museum, or the American Cancer Society organization, both close to Joy's heart.

Rest in peace, Joy. You were a gift to all who knew you, and your memory will continue to inspire love, laughter, and kindness in our hearts forever.

Lava Historical Museum: https://www.marshvalleymuseum.org/

American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/

Click Here to watch the livestream of the Funeral Service