Dr. Joan Marilyn Gethard Burke, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on April 7, 1938, to the late Mary Cunningham Gethard and Leslie  Gethard.

Dr. Burke dedicated her life to education, inspiring generations of students through her passion for mathematics and learning. She began her career as a high school mathematics teacher at Orange High School in Orange NJ and, after teaching at high schools and both Seton Hall and Montclair State Universities, completed it as a professor and department chair of Mathematics at Caldwell University. A lifelong educator in every sense of the word, Joan believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives. Her commitment to learning never waned; at the age of 60, she proudly earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Seton Hall University, a milestone that reflected her determination, intellect, and love of scholarship.

Joan was a devoted mother to her three daughters: Mary Burke Emanuelli and her husband Joe Emanuelli, Cathy Burke Rowe and her husband Christopher Rowe, and Jen Burke Pechko and her husband Mark Pechko. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Josephine, Kathleen, Peter, and Christine Emanuelli, and to Daniel and Jason Rowe, each of whom brought her immense joy. She is predeceased by her brother William  Gethard and survived by her brothers Robert and Kenneth Gethard.

Joan loved to travel, especially cruising. She took  well over 20 cruises from the fjords  of Norway to the Fjords of New Zealand and her favorite destination, Bermuda.

Known for her sharp mind, quick sense of humor, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to her family and students, Dr. Burke leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, perseverance, and compassion.

She will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but for the example she set as a woman who never stopped learning and never stopped caring.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring her memory through a donation to the Alzheimer's NJ Respite Program:

 https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E21950&id=176or check to

Alzheimer’s New Jersey

425 Eagle Rock Ave., Ste. 203

Roseland, NJ 07068

Or to Caldwell University

Giving to Caldwell – Caldwell University

Or check to Caldwell University

Office of Institutional Advancement

120 Bloomfield Ave.

Caldwell, NJ 07006