Joan M. (Hern) Burba

Joan M. (Hern) Burba, 83, entered heaven Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded and loved by her family. Joan was a true Warrior and waged a fierce 3-year battle against her cancer. 

Daughter of Sidney and Mary (O’Loughlin) Hern, she was a lifelong resident of Stoughton – born and raised. Educated in Stoughton schools, Joan graduated from Stoughton High School in 1959.

In 1965, she married James S. Burba Sr. Joan and Jim enjoyed a loving 55-year marriage and raised three beloved children. Always a ‘go-getter’, Joan started working after school at Corcoran’s Footwear. Once the children were in school, Joan turned her remarkable work-ethic to building a career. Over her 25+ year career, she applied her incredible energy working for John Hancock, Morse Shoe, J. Baker Shoe, and Casual Male. Joan retired in 2002 as Workers’ Compensation Administrator.

First and foremost, Joan was a loving, caring mother treasured by her children -- James S. Burba, Jr. of Stoughton, Jennifer L. Burba and her fiancé Todd Corrigan of Attleboro, and the late John T. Burba. She was the sister of Betty Hern of Framingham, and the late Richard T. Hern. Joan was the beloved Grandmother of Joshua V. Burba of Plymouth, Brianna L. Burba of Marshfield, the cherished aunt of Richard T. Hern and his son Anthony both of Stoughton, and beloved cousin of Dennis and Mariana Paduck of Rhode Island. She is also survived by several cousins, extended family, and friends.

Joan truly cherished her time with Family and Friends. Since a young girl, Joan vacationed in Falmouth with her family – a tradition continued by her children. Falmouth was a special time to gather family and friends. The family’s yearly BBQ was open to all and enjoyed by all!

Until simply unable, Joan and “The Girls” (her cadre of lifelong friends) faithfully met in Easton to enjoy coffee and to share life’s joys and sorrows or just spend time with her oldest and dearest friends.

Joan absolutely loved the holidays. She decorated her home inside and out with the same precision and attention to detail she applied to everything. Once things were perfect, she graciously hosted the family Christmas Eve Party – an event enjoyed by many for decades. No occasion was necessary to host dinner parties with her family – indoors or out on the patio. Ever the perfectionist, no detail was too small for Joan’s special attention from taking care of her yard or planning a party for dozens.

She was a passionate and loyal fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics – never missing a game and especially cheering them on in the playoffs!

Visiting Hours will be at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27) Stoughton on Wednesday, July 24 from 4-7 PM. Funeral will from the Funeral Home on Thursday, July 25 at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Stoughton at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to Brockton Visiting Nurse Association or American Cancer Society.