Joyce M. Burnett

RUTLAND – Joyce M. (Wilkinson) Burnett, 85, beloved wife of the late James A. Burnett, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Born and raised in Framingham, she was a daughter of William and Imelda (Laye) Wilkinson.

Joyce was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and will be remembered by many for hosting the yearly 4th of July party alongside her husband, Jim. In her spare time, she could often be found by her sewing machine or crafting something special. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Church. She found so much joy in spending time with her grandchildren. They loved sleepovers with their Mimi and Poppy.

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her two daughters, Robin Congdon and her husband, Donald of Rutland and Kristin L. Nadeau and her husband, Michael of Athol; her two brothers, Alfred Wilkinson of RI and Kenneth Wilkinson of Ashland; her sister, Marylou Ahearn of CA; seven grandchildren, Jamie, Lindsay, Kaylin, Drew, Breanna, Tyler and Marissa; nine great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Helen Wilkinson of Framingham; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins, including Charles Holt and his wife, Vera of Framingham. In addition to Jim, her husband of 64 years, she was predeceased by her brother, Earl Wilkinson and her sister, Dolores Wheeler.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 18 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 29 at Rural Cemetery in Rutland, where both Joyce and James will be laid to rest together. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.