Joan Burnside

Joan Larsen Burnside passed away in her home in West Jordan, Utah on November 7, 2026. She was born March 30, 1932, in Moroni, Utah to James Peter and Anna Violet Johnson Larsen. She arrived seven weeks prematurely alongside her twin brother, Jerry Peter. Weighing just over three pounds, they were placed in baskets by the stove to keep them warm. Together with their brother Shirley Ross Larsen (such a tease) they grew up in Fairview, Utah. Joan attended schools in the area and graduated from North Sanpete High School where she served as a class officer and participated in drama, music, and many other school activities.

Her life was deeply influenced by her Grandparents Myron and Luella Johnson who taught her an unwavering belief that anything was possible with determination and hard work. From her Grandparents Rasmus and Dolly Larsen she learned how to love unconditionally. Her favorite place on earth was on their farm.

Growing up with two brothers, Joan was overjoyed when Shirley married Ruby Rydalch exclaiming, 'Now I have a sister!' Ruby was the sister she had always wanted, and their bond held a special place in her heart.

On April 13, 1951, Joan married the love of her life, Ernest "Ernie" Burnside, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, work, and fun. They raised their four children: Kathy Ann, Robert Ernest, Ronald Larsen, and Janet Kay in Magna, Utah where she loved decorating her home, tending to her garden, and holding family parties. Their home was heaven on earth and friends and extended family loved being there. After their children were married, they moved to Sandy, Utah where she continued those traditions. Later in life they shared a passion for ballroom dancing. Together, they competed in local and world dancing competitions, frequently earning first-place honors and achieving bronze and gold medals.

She and her son Ron attended Westminster College at the same time and earned their bachelors degree there. She continued her education at Brigham Young University receiving her master's degree in Social Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. She also pursued graduate studies at the University of Utah and Princeton University.

Her distinguished career in education and public service spanned decades. She served as Chair of the Utah State Board of Education, Chair of the Salt Lake Community College Board of Trustees, Chair of the Utah Transit Authority, President of the Utah PTA, and First Vice President of the National PTA. She also held leadership positions with KSL, Young Audiences of Utah, and numerous educational and community organizations.

Professionally, Joan served as Executive Director of the Utah Children's Museum, Executive Director of Utah Mental Health, Manager of Training and Development for Hercules Inc., and the Utah Department of Health. She directed Utah's Certified Public Management Program and founded Burnside & Associates Consultants, Inc. Throughout her career, she helped educate and train approximately 2,000 public employees and shared her expertise in leadership and management throughout the United States and South America.

Her many honors included Utah Business Magazine's Business Woman of the Year, an honorary doctorate from Salt Lake Community College, recognition from the Utah Education Association, and numerous awards for distinguished public service.

An accomplished author she shared her knowledge and passion for education through her writing. She authored Circles and Cycles, a human relations program published by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and contributed articles to educational and professional journals. She also documented her own life story in an autobiography, a priceless gift to her family.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in numerous ward and stake callings. Her favorite was being the Primary chorister. She later served a service mission and also served in the Jordan River Temple.

She spoke very little about her many accomplishments, she was just our mom, grandma, and great-grandma and she was the best. Her home was immaculate, warm, and decorated beautifully. Mornings were not her favorite but she loved the night and would read late into the night. As soon as her eyes opened, music filled her home. She loved to work in her garden and took great pride in designing and maintaining it. She definitely had a green thumb. She could sew anything and she did, from school clothes, doll clothes, bride's maid dresses, blessing outfits, drapes for the windows - she was a beautiful seamstress. She enjoyed making porcelain dolls, cleaning and painting them were her favorite, and she dressed them beautifully. She was a great cook and her cooking was not only good but looked good. She decided to learn to oil paint. She never felt like she had that gift but many of her paintings are on display in our homes. Later in life she started quilting and created countless beautiful quilts for her family.

In her autobiography, Joan beautifully expressed what mattered most to her: "Of all I have or ever had, the most precious to me are my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They are my priceless treasurers and none can be replaced. I love them all."

Her family includes Kathy and her late husband, Michael Verne Breeze, and their children Shane (Chet Ricketts), Bryan (Melanie), Jeremiah (Chrissy), Missy (Brad Tingey), and Colby (Lexi); Bob and Shanna Burnside, and their children Pat (Sarah), Kim (Mark Hoggan), Jennie (Dave Astill), Jesi (Sterling Headrick), and Bobby (Danielle); Ron and Tamara Burnside, and their children Brooke (Brock Hancock), Marina (Daniel Grant), and Baylor (Courtney); her daughter Janet Kay Berrett, and her 36 great-grandchildren.

Joan's life was a testament to the power of education, remarkable leadership, the importance of service, the joy of lifelong learning, and the enduring strength of family. She leaves a remarkable legacy through the generations she loved and the countless lives she touched.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents; her brothers, her sister-in law, and her son-in-law.

Joan's life will be celebrated with a viewing November 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road in Taylorsville. Her funeral service will be November 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the church located at 7265 South 2700 West in West Jordan. There will be a viewing there from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Fairview City Cemetery in Fairview, Utah.