Beverly June Burniske

1930 - 2024

Beverly June Burniske

Hemet, CA - Beverly June Burniske passed away peacefully in the presence of family in her daughter's Hemet, California home, on February 6, 2024.

Beverly led a full life in her 93 years. She was born in Fitchburg, MA, and moved to Greenfield/Montague area in western Massachusetts as a child. After graduating from Turners Falls High School and spending a year at Syracuse University, she came back to Greenfield where she met the love of her life, Robert "Nook" Burniske. Together, they raised their three children.

She was an avid educator with 27 years of service in the Greenfield Public Schools, from 1966-1993. Beverly was elected to the position of selectman in Greenfield, serving two 3-year terms from 1986-1992. She attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts (1965), a Master of Education (1970), and a Master of Arts (1974). She also enjoyed researching and collecting the art of Frederick Remington.

She was active in the community, winning many awards for teaching, sports, and community service. She was adventurous, an athlete, an intellect, and a role model. She inspired women to excel in their endeavors while maintaining values as caring mothers. During her adult life, Beverly traveled extensively, visiting Costa Rica, Sudan, Guatemala, Japan, Russia, and Europe. These travels enriched her teaching of social studies and provided her students with vivid insights to cultures outside the United States.

After retiring, Beverly moved to Murietta, CA. She spent her time golfing, playing bridge, traveling the world, and volunteering at a local hospital.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband, Robert "Nook" Burniske, brother Robert "Bob" and sister-in-law Lorraine Wickens, and son James (Cheri) Burniske.

She leaves behind her son Gary (Andrea) Burniske, daughter Melinda "Lindy" (Brandon Stowers) Cunningham, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Beverly will be remembered for her sense of style and her love and pride for her family. She touched our lives deeply and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Greenfield, MA to be announced at a future date. If interested in updates please email contact information to: Grburniske@hotmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations can be made to the Greenfield Triathlon Nook Burniske Award, Attn: Christy Moore, Race Director, Greenfield Recreation Dept., 20 Sanderson Street, Greenfield, MA 01301