Joan Frances Pakenham Burns, 87, of Sebastian, passed away on Feb. 2, 2016.
Burns was born on May 4, 1928, in Queens, N.Y., and was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., by her parents Johanna Voege Pakenham and Walter Pakenham. She graduated from Franklin K Lane High School. She married Arthur Joseph Burns on Jan. 16, 1960 in Goshen, N.Y.
She was active in the CCD Program in St. John’s Catholic Church in Goshen. She taught the Confirmation class for many years. She kept busy raising four children: Charlotte Neubauer (Burns), Joseph Burns, Richard Burns and last but not least, Joanne Burns-Rucker, several nieces, a nephew, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
When Burns was in her early 50’s, her husband sent her to Orange County Community College, OCCC in Middleton, N.Y. She graduated as COTA or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. Her classmates called her mom.
She lived more than 20 years in Florida. She was active in the St. Sebastian Church in Sebastian, being President of the Woman’s Guild for two years. She spent many happy years in Florida
Burns was an artist, family genealogist, a friend to all, and loved life.
Mass will be held Saturday, Feb.13, 2016 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with internment to follow at Sebastian City Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com.