Joyce Sylvester

Joyce Ann Sylvester (Burkart) passed away peacefully in the comfort of a Spokane Hospice House nurse on the evening of September 2, 2023. She did it her way and waited until all her kids were out of the room.

Joyce was born on February 27, 1937, to Ruth and Edward Burkart and was raised in Spokane, WA. She attended Catholic school and graduated from Mary Cliff High School in 1955. Thomas Sylvester came into her life when she was invited to a youth event at the Community of Christ Church. He was in the military and stationed at Fairchild AFB. They married in 1955.

They added to their family in 1956 with their first-born son, Richard Sylvester, who passed away at two months old. They went on to add to their family with a son, Randall Sylvester, a daughter Teri Francis, and daughter Michelle Sylvester. Joyce was a stay-at-home mom for most of her children’s school years. She later worked for Weight Watchers, volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital, rocking babies in the NICU, and working in the Gift Shop, and later, as a paid employee of the Gift Shop.

One of her favorite roles was the role of being a grandparent. She is survived by her three children and four grandchildren, Anne Peterson, Gabriel Ellzey, Danielle Ellzey, Derek Sylvester, and great-grandchildren Noah, Alexis, and Sydney Peterson.

Everyone who knew Joyce knew she loved to read, have coffee and goodies with her family, watch Law & Order, and spending time with Ruby (her daughter’s dog)! We couldn’t have asked for a better mother and will miss her every day.

Joyce was preceded in death by Richard Sylvester (Son), Thomas Sylvester (Husband), her parents and various aunts, uncles, & cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, Sept 23 at the Community of Christ Church, 11515 E. Broadway Ave. Spokane Valley.  The family requests that anyone considering sending flowers or gifts instead donate to Hospice of Spokane.