Joan Hanley Burns, 97, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026. She was the daughter of Thomas and Rose Hanley and was born in Mannington, WV on September 12, 1928, the youngest daughter of nine children, seven girls and two boys. She was the only living member of her family.

She was married to Jim Burns on May 30, 1952. They were married until his death on March 15, 1993, and they were the parents of eight children, Kathy Jacquez (Lemuel), Pat Burns (Anastasia), Susan Cole (Tom), Peggy Eckert, Michael Burns (Janie), Daniel Burns (Ann), Robert Burns (Gary), and Dr. William Burns (Beth); 17 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.

Joan was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology and later returned to earn her Master’s Degree in Health Education with an emphasis in Medical Technology. She retired from Fairmont State University after 14 years as the Supervisor of the Medical Laboratory Technician Program.

After her children graduated from college and she was retired, Joan began to volunteer by taking cancer patients to treatments, as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, and at Fairmont General Hospital. She belonged to several organizations including the Friends of the Library, where she served as a past president, Ladies of the Knights of Columbus, Ladies of the Elks, Red Cross Volunteer, and was past president of the Fairmont General Hospital Volunteers. Joan also belonged to two bridge clubs, was a member of the Lifelong Learner Red Hats, and West Virginia Travel Club. Joan traveled both in the states and in Europe.

Joan has donated her body to the Human Gift Registry at West Virginia University. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church.