Joan Burke

Joan E. Burke, of East Greenwich, RI, died September 12, 2025. Born in New York, New York, she was the daughter of the late Raymond H. Markey and Thelma (Howlett) Markey. She grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan and graduated from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School and The Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary (SHM). Joan’s journey led her to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for four years. She retained a deep affection and devotion to the Order throughout her life. Joan was a woman of strong faith and personal resolve.

She was the beloved wife of Tom Burke, and their marriage continued for 54 years until Tom’s death. Joan and Tom were longtime residents of Wyckoff, New Jersey. Rhode Island became their permanent home later in life. Point Judith, Harbor Island, Bonnet Shores, and Wakefield all provided wonderful family moments.

She is survived by her children: Patrick Burke (Kathleen McKelvey) of Portsmouth, RI and Elizabeth Burke Gould (David Gould) of Narragansett, RI. Her beloved grandchildren - Caitlin Burke, Aidan Burke, Alex Gould, and Bennett Gould – were a continuous source of pride. Hearing about their activities and achievements was a constant in conversations with Joan. Also surviving are her siblings, Kathy Meleney of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Ray Markey (Mary Berman) of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Jerry Markey (Diane Cook) of Plymouth, Minnesota, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and cherished close friends of decades were her joy. Regular conversations were moments of pleasure for her. Such chats were peppered with mentions of wonderful trips with Tom and were a chance to share prodigious knowledge from across the sports world. Joan could always be counted on for the latest game results, milestone records, and other athletic news.

The family wishes to express thanks for the compassionate support and attention that Joan received during the last decade from many kind, and hardworking, health professionals at Brightview Commons, Brookdale South Bay, The Seasons, and other caregivers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16 at 11:30 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Wakefield, RI. Visitation for Joan will be from 10 to 11 AM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial will follow in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Peace Dale.