Joyce, as she preferred to be called, was born on February 5, 1939, to Lilla and Richard Burnside.

She grew up in Ogden, Utah, and graduated from Ogden High in 1957, she then attended the University of Utah, where she earned her Master’s in Teaching. She was very proud to be the first woman in her family to attend and graduate from college.

She married Jay Edwin Wilson in 1958, and they later divorced. Together, they had two daughters, Marjorie Diane Wilson and Lori Sue Wilson.

Joyce was a dedicated teacher who spent many years educating students in Las Vegas, Nevada and Scottsdale, Arizona. She had a deep passion for learning and encouraged her students, and everyone around her, not only to gain knowledge, but to stay curious about the world and beyond.

A passionate traveler, Joyce made it a priority to explore as often and as far as she could. She spent time as a foreign exchange student in both Russia and Mexico City, and throughout her life lived in Louisiana, Florida, California, Las Vegas, and ultimately Scottsdale, where she spent the last 25 years of her life.

She shared her love of travel with her grandchildren, taking each of them on a special trip when they turned 12. These adventures included cruises to Alaska, rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and attending Broadway plays in New York.

In her later years, Joyce enjoyed serving as an ambassador for Historic Old Town Scottsdale. If you ever visited, there’s a good chance she helped you find your way, or even gave you a small tour, along with her favorite local recommendations.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Marjorie (Tim) Wilson-Ackerman and Lori (David) Gibson; her grandchildren, Kenny (Sarajane) Kummer, Dakota (Briauna) Kummer, Calli (Nate) Elorreaga, and Wilson Crase; and her great-grandchildren, Thomas Kummer and Nicholas Kummer; and her brother, Dan Burnside.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lilla and Richard Burnside; and her siblings, Richard Burnside, Dennis Burnside, Janice Burnside, Earlene Burnside, Darlene Burnside, and Shirley Burnside.

Joyce enjoyed spending her time reading, knitting, painting, doing puzzles, and giving anyone a run for their money at Gin Rummy. She especially cherished time with her family, making regular trips to Salt Lake City to be with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her love of learning, her adventurous spirit, and the genuine curiosity she inspired in everyone she met.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Ogden Botanical Gardens. All who would like to pay their respects to Joyce are welcome to attend.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dan Burnside, Marrianne Nielsen, the staff at Our House in Ogden, Utah, and the staff at Symbii Hospice, especially Brooklynn, for their care, compassion, and support.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.