Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
JoAnne Sanford Davies Burhans
JoAnne Sanford Davies Burhans
Obituary
Guest Book
JoAnne Burhans Obituary
She married William A. Burhans on Sept 7, 1957. During their marriage they moved nine times. She was the quintessential officer's wife, packing and unpacking with each set of orders, hosting teas, and keeping the home running thru crazy shifts and long deployments. She gave birth to six children in ten years. She was an excellent cook who always had dinner on the table at 6pm! She was very involved in all aspects of her children's lives. She supported them in all of their pursuits; scouting, sports, music lessons, cake decorating lessons, and dance classes.
JoAnne loved to garden, sew, decorate cakes, do crafts, bird watch, and collect antiques. She passed her love of these things to her children and grandchildren.
JoAnne was a stay at home mother until all of her children were school age. She worked for a short time as a caterer and cake decorator for The Bodega. She was the secretary at the First Presbyterian Church of Dale City from 1988 to 1996.
In February of 2001 JoAnne was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She lost her battle with her disease on October 30, 2010.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents Elbert Davies and Hazel Davies and her sister Jean Sanford. She is survived by her sisters Betty Jane Davies and Margaret Calby of Montrose PA. Her children; William Burhans Jr. (Sif) of Myrtle Beach SC, Jonathan Burhans (Roxanne) of Christiansburg VA, Christina Burhans-Robinson (Joe) of Woodbridge VA, Elizabeth Olson (Steve) of Falls Church VA, Suzanne Kroh of Bentonville VA, and Tamara Lancaster (Reggie) of Stafford VA. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; Sara Burhans, Jason Burhans, Nathan Burhans, Michael Vine, Dennis Vine (Ashley), Christopher Vine (Amber), Bridget Olson, Annabelle Olson, Thomas Olson, William Olson, Tamara Burhans, Alan Kroh, Trejon McGee, Cory McGee, and Kaia McGee. She also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers please donate a gift to one of the following in her name to: Alzheimer's Association, First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, or Evercare Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391 Minnieville Road, Dale City VA 22193 on November 20, 2010 at 11:00am at
Arrangements entrusted into the care of Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, Dale City VA.
This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Burhans
November 19, 2010
Here are further tributes to JoAnne from her friends:
Dear Bill,
I was so sad when I read your e-mail. I send all of you my deepest condolences.
I am sure you are missing JoAnne. Even with years of so called preparation you are not ready to say goodbye. I still miss my OPC even after almost 17 years.
Tina deserves a very special hug for the love and devotion to her Mom. My heart goes out to her.
I am in Fort Myers Florida for the winter - I bought a little condo here. I hope you make your Christmas a happy one and that the New Year brings good things to all of you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bridget Chaney (widow of LTC Otto P. Chaney, USMLM Army Operations Officer, early 1970s)
Bill:
Sorry to hear about JoAnne's passing and her long fight with Alzheimer’s. We remember her fondly. Best wishes to you and your children.
David and Judy Hall (USMLM Air Tour Officer, then 6912th Security Squadron, early 1970s)
Dear Bill,
Bernice and I send our deepest condolences; what a long time to battle such a terrible disease. We know that she was very lucky to have such a supportive family.
Thank you so much for letting us know. We will remember her in our prayers.
Best regards,
Ken and Bernice Rocheleau (USMLM Photo Lab Technician, early 1970s)
Bill,
On behalf of Mikell and myself, please accept our sincerest condolences on JoAnne's passing.
Amen,
David and Mikell Humpert (Soviet Awareness, Bolling AFB, late 1970s)
Dear Bill,
Helen and I send our condolences to you and your children. JoAnne was always warm and friendly and a wonderful person to be around. May she rest in peace.
Nick and Helen Troyan (USMLM Army Tour Officer, early 1970s)
Frances Shreve
November 19, 2010
My sympathy and prayers go to the family of JoAnne. We worked together at First United Presbyterian Church. I thought of JoAnne often. I know she will be missed. Rest in peace, JoAnne.
JoAnne and Bill, Potsdam, 1973
Bill Burhans
November 14, 2010
I wanted to let you know that JoAnne died on September 30th after a long battle (almost 10 years) with Alzheimer's. Our oldest daughter Tina has devoted those years to be her mother's caregiver and did a marvelous job. All JoAnne's children were able to say their good-byes the week before she passed away.
We were married almost 33 years and she was a wonderful wife and a marvelous mother. That her children have done so well as individuals as well as heads of families speaks to the terrific job she did to raise them through all those years that my military duties took me away from home.
Although there is great sadness, this is accompanied by strong feelings of relief that she knew she was loved and has now gone to a better place. May she rest quietly and in peace.
Best regards, Bill
Bill:
Sorry to hear about your loss. God bless you.
Larry Ridley (USMLM Army analyst, early 1970s)
Dear Bill:
I am so sorry to get your sad news, and sorry also that your family has had such a long and difficult struggle. Having had several friends facing the same painful reality I can only say I truly believe that at some level Joanne felt all the love and support that she received and that it eased her way.
My best to you all,
Barb Stoughton (Uncle Clint’s first wife)
Bill:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear wife. I know of what you speak. I have struggled with my own sweet Marian for whom I was the caregiver the past 3-4 years until she went into assisted living for Alzheimer's sufferers just this September. She also did a great job of raising our youngsters through hardship tours, deployments, and USMLM overnights. They have made me proud, and I will always be indebted to her.
Regardless, it is great you had your family together at the end. Best wishes for a few years in peaceful solitude and warm remembrances. Stay in touch.
Regards,
Bill Fielder (USMLM Army tour officer, early 1970s)
Bill,
Thanks for letting me know. My condolences to you and your family.
Jim Tonge (Deputy Chief, USMLM, 1979)
Bill:
I am, of course, very sorry to hear this news, but on the other day understand that she had no life after Alzheimer’s struck. When you have a chance, pass my best wishes and condolences on to your children.
My best, Lynn Hansen
(USMLM Air Team Operations Officer, early 1970s)
Hi Bill,
Wow, I can only imagine what you and the family must have been through. [Tina has devoted those years to be her mother's caregiver] What a testament to her love! And I am sure it is the good years that you will most remember.
Yes, these times are never easy and no matter how much relief, there is still a great sadness and emptiness.
My love to you all,
Ed Corcoran (USMLM Army tour officer, early 1970s)
Dear Bill,
Walt & I wanted to send our sympathies to you & your family after the passing of JoAnne.
Walt is now living in Assisted Care, but I visit him nearly every day. He has Parkinson's, but he's doing well, most of the time. He has many falls, & is currently recovering from the latest one. But his spirits are good.
Take care,
Lesley (and Walt) Waltner (USMLM Air Team NCOIC, early 1970s)
Bill:
Sorry to hear of JoAnne's death. Thanks for letting us know.
I suppose you are still on the lake in North Texas. We're in San Angelo now and have been for about 10 years. We travel as much as we can both in the US and around the world. We've put a lot of miles on in our 10 years of retirement. We're in fairly good health. Jane had a double bypass 12 or so years ago and I had prostate cancer a year or so later but all is well now - we hope. Jane is having double by-pass surgery Tuesday on her legs. The Dr. will do a by-pass on both legs to improve lower leg circulation.
Again, we offer condolences on JoAnne's death but I'm sure she is happier now.
Russ and Jane Thoma (6912th RSM, Bingen, Germany 1958)
Dear Bill,
That is the nicest tribute to JoAnne you could ever have written! Thank you for sharing this news with me. I am glad for the relief, but sad to learn of all her troubles.
I am happy to recall a joyous get-together with all of you in Germany, many long years ago, with our former spouses and babies. That was a good time.
Now that William and I are spending summers on the St. Lawrence River, we'll be close enough to Skaneateles for a 1952 reunion, if it ever happens again. Mary Ellen said she would not be able to travel because of Jack's Alzheimer's. Lucky us, to have you and the occasional class newsletters. Take care, Ethel Larrabee Ilmanen (my high-school classmate, Kindergarten through graduation)
Hi Bill,
I honestly cannot say I'm sad to hear that JoAnne has passed away. I should say I'm happy because I think anyone with Alzheimer's is living in HELL. Sometimes I wish it was my announcement about Diane. . . God be with you.
Mel Ratz (USMLM Air Team tour NCO, early 1970s)
Bill:
I am very sorry to hear this news. I know there was a great bond still extant in the family and the loyalty of the children speaks well for her dedication to their upbringing. I think our military requirements put a strain on all our families, but some much more than others.
I know you hurt for this and be assured that we join you as a long and dear friend. God bless the Burhans family and JoAnne's memory.
Gary and Lois Belcher (6940th Technical Training Squadron, Goodfellow AFB, early 1960s)
Dear Bill,
I was so sorry to hear about JoAnne's long illness and subsequent death. My heart goes out to all of the family. As I may have mentioned, Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 3 years ago. It seems to be a fairly slow progression with him and his sunny disposition is a real blessing. However, the memory is pretty well shot and it frustrates him when he can't follow a conversation. We are thankful that we moved to a Continuing Care facility several years ago...lots of support in every way.
My sister, Katherine, now aged 90, was moved last summer to an assisted living facility in Camillus. She lived alone near Daytona Beach until about a year ago and managed very well. Not happy to be spending the winter in the north, but she needs to be near family. Jim and Betty are slowing down but at 86 and 84 are doing quite well. The Golden Years are not for the faint of heart.
My best to you and LaVerta,
Mary Ellen (high school classmate and my first serious girl-friend)
Hello Bill,
Thirty-seven years have passed since you invited me, the newly arrived driver, to your home, but I never forgot how well I was received by you, JoAnne, and your family. Both Marianne and I are saddened by the news of her death, but knowing that she no longer has to suffer is a comfort. We always liked JoAnne and have very fond memories of her.
Marianne and Konrad (USMLM Air Team tour NCO)
Bill,
On behalf of Mikell and myself, please accept our sincerest condolences on JoAnne's passing. Amen.
David Humpert (former co-worker at Soviet Awareness, Bolling AFB, DC)
Bill:
Thanks for sharing this information. I have very fond memories of a handful of visits with Aunt JoAnne and your family over the years. A few from Elk Lake so long ago, others in Virginia. It must be bittersweet for all your kids, and most especially Tina.
I hope you and LaVerta are doing well.
Craig (my nephew, my oldest sister’s son)
Karen Greth
November 9, 2010
My prayers and sympathy to Mrs. Burhans' family and loved ones. She will be missed and remembered fondly as a loving, kind and accepting woman. Rest in peace and may we someday meet again.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Marilyn Taylor
November 7, 2010
To the family of JoAnne: My love and prayers go out to all of you. JoAnne and I were great friends all during school. I have fond memories of the time we spent together at Lake Shehawken with our mutual friends. She will never be forgotten. Especially the band trips and competitions both in band and athletics. Love, Marilyn Taylor, Classmate
Susan Johnson
November 7, 2010
Mrs. Burhan's you will always be in my thoughts. You were always their for all of your children's friends and will be so missed. May you rest in peace, you have earned it. Love Suzy J.
Jon & Roxanne
November 5, 2010
Thank you for all you have done Tina and Joe. Mom, you were a wonderful person and an inspiration to us all. We will miss you, but you will always be with us in our hearts and memories. We love you.
November 5, 2010
Thank you for all your love, support and guidance. You were an incredible mommy and I will always love you. Suzy
Tammy & Family
November 4, 2010
Thank you Tina and Joe for the loving care you gave to mommy. We appreciate you so much and love you. Mommy, I am so glad you finally are free...I love you so much.
Billy Pavlick
November 4, 2010
To the Burhans Family. I Want to express my sincere sorrow for the loss of your Mom. I Know from Past experiance how Painful this is. But just remember to keep your mother in your Hearts and Minds and she will always be with you.
November 4, 2010
You are loved and missed Mom
Bill and Sif
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in JoAnne Burhans's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with JoAnne
How to support JoAnne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JoAnne Burhans's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored