Joan Burke

Heaven is now rejoicing and the angels are singing that our beloved Joan M. Burke went to be with the Lord on Nov. 20, 2007 after a brave year long fight with cancer. Joan was born on Aug. 15, 1935 to Bennie and Eileen Buell in St. Paul, MN. After the war years the family relocated to Spokane, WA, where Joan married Robert L. Ball and had three beautiful children. Her children were the passion of her life. Joan was a very successful business woman, who ran her own company in Spokane, WA. At the age of 56, she pursued a life long dream of teaching. She graduated in 1985 from Evergreen College, and taught at Chief Leschi for over 14 years. Joan loved to travel, whether it was exploring Mexico, hiking in Greece, or cruising the waters of Alaska with her sister Dianne. Joan will be remembered for her love of life, embracing family, Holidays, entertaining, and cooking for friends. She was elegant, refined, and first class. She had a beautiful smile, and a joyful laugh. She was so positive and caring with her can do attitude and never had a bad word to say about anybody. Joan touched countless lives. Her legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and many students, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Robert L. Salokar, grandsons Joshua and Gabriel Salokar, and sister Karen Hawks. She is survived by her children Susan K. Irmer and Jeff L. Salokar; grandchildren Joe and (Nicole) Salokar, Melinda and (George) Brown, Bryan and (Kellie) James, Jeff Irmer, Troy Rhodes and Ahleigh Rhodes; great-grandchildren George Milton III and Jaylin Joan Brown, Kayla, Christopher and Justin James, Taunah and Kyriana Rhodes; sisters Jerrie and (Jim) Clark, Dianne Mulroy, Kathryn Olson, and brother Terry Garza; numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and Rusty the family Dog. Our family extends a heart felt thank you to all of the students and faculty at Chief Leschi School, who loved and supported Joan. We also want to thank Harrison Hospital and North Woods Lodge, for their devoted care, love and support. At the families request no services will be held. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Joan?s name to the Susan G. Komen foundation.