Joyce Carolyn Burnett, 81

October 28, 2025

Joyce Carolyn Burnett, aged 81, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, peacefully entered heaven on October 28th, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Joyce was born in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, to Samuel Gladwell, Sr., and Veta Arline Gladwell. She grew up in Mercer County, New Jersey, and retired in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

Joyce held multiple jobs throughout her life that focused on customer service and assisting others, including Gallop Poll, Educational Testing Services, Amway Corporation, and Bristol Myer Squibb. After official retirement from Bristol Myer Squibb, Joyce moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where she found work as a customer service representative and driver for Avis Car Rental Service at Lake Havasu City Airport. Joyce found her way back to the East Coast in 2003 to be close to her family.

Beyond her work, Joyce’s life was filled with music, laughter, and love. Coming from a family of musicians, she was often found singing and smiling on stage alongside her loved ones, bringing joy to everyone around her. Joyce also had a special gift for cooking and baking — her famous potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and pineapple upside-down cake were beloved staples at every family gathering. Her favorite time of year was Christmas, when her kitchen filled with the scent of fresh-baked cookies that she shared with friends, family, and members of her community.

Joyce and her devoted husband, Richard J. Burnett, shared a life that others truly dream of. From the moment Joyce met Richard at just sixteen years old, the two were inseparable. Married on June 26th, 1965, Joyce and Richard built a life overflowing with love and adventure. Together, they cherished every moment with their children and grandchildren — cheering at sports games, applauding at theater productions, celebrating graduations, and marking countless family milestones.

They were passionate travelers, whether setting sail on cruises or driving cross-country, and visited 45 states together. Joyce and Richard also made sure to celebrate life’s special moments, spending their 25th anniversary in Hawaii and their 50th in the Bahamas — a true testament to a love that only grew stronger with time.

Joyce and Richard were also devoted members of St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish, where they were known for their deep faith and the enduring love they shared for God and for one another.

The bond between Joyce and Richard was a beautiful example of true love in its purest form — a love that endured over 60 years and one that continues to shine through Richard and their family.

Joyce is predeceased by her father, Samuel R. Gladwell Sr.; her mother, Veta A. Gladwell; her father-in-law, Jesse C. Burnett; her mother-in-law, Caroline M. Burnett; her siblings, Raymond Gladwell (Opal Gladwell), Ramona Saltzman (Harvey “Pete” Saltzman), Gary Gladwell, Sr. (Rosie Gladwell), Shirley Rose (Slim Rose), Arlie Gladwell (Lorna Gladwell), Tony Gladwell (Alexandria Gladwell), and Samuel Gladwell, Jr. (June Gladwell); and cousin-in-law, Marie Flanagan (Andy Flanagan).

Joyce is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Richard J. Burnett; her sister-in-law, Mary Joan Stout (Bruce Stout); her younger brother, Floyd Gladwell (Mary Gladwell); her wonderful children, Richard J Burnett, (Sheryl Burnett), Deborah Tarcza (Jason Tarcza), Victoria Burnett, and Mark Burnett (Christy Burnett); her grandchildren, Courtney Donovan (Sean Donovan), Tyler Sidener, Kelly Tarcza Holmes (Edwin Holmes, Jr.), Jesse Burnett (Kyralana Burnett), Taylor Miller, Lauren Tarcza Hamm (Kyle Hamm), Jordan Burnett, and Madison Burnett; one great-grandchild, Mitchell Donovan; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Joyce will be missed by so many. Her warmth, laughter, and ability to make everyone feel special were truly unforgettable. She touched countless lives, and we are all better for having shared part of our journey with her.

Family will receive friends at Mary Mother of the Church, 625 Union School Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940 at 9:30AM.

The Mass of Christian Burial may also be live streamed via www.marymotherparish.org – On the side menu, click Live Stream Page and you will be directed to a YouTube link.

Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories of Joyce’s beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County or Mary Mother of the Church in Joyce’s memory.