On Monday, July 18, 2022, passed away peacefully at Ngaio Marsh Retirement Village, aged 97 years. Her early years were spent in Stockton, on the West Coast.  After having her family, Joan trained and became a passionate and creative teacher at North New Brighton School for 15 years.

Loved wife of the late Ray, mother and mother-in-law of Steve and Lynda, and Alan (Colorado, USA). A most special Grandma of Matthew, Chris, Tash and Dave Miles, and Great-Grandma of Eliza, and Flynn. Predeceased by her parents Ethel and Charlie, and sisters Mary, and Edith. Joan was loved for her kindness, humour and quick mind by her family and community. She will be greatly missed. Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Joan Burns, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated, and may be made directly online at www.cancer.org.nz/donate-now/. Joan’s family will be privately celebrating her life.