Joanne Teresa McGinnis, 63, passed away Tuesday, January 22 at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, surrounded by family and friends. Joanne was born July 23rd, 1949 in St. Paul, Minnesota to John and Virgiline McGinnis. She was the eldest of 7 children and a supportive figure to her younger siblings. She graduated from Saint Teresa College in Winona, MN with a degree in education. After graduating, Joanne spent several years volunteering with VISTA and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. In 1973, she moved to Seattle, experiencing a new city with friends from the Volunteer Corps. After a few years of living in Seattle, Joanne met her future husband Kelly Burke who she would marry in 1978. Joanne went back to school and achieved her Masters in Adult Education from the University of Washington. In 1983, Kelly and Joanne bought land on nearby Vashon Island where they built a home and raised 3 children. Joanne quickly became involved with the local Catholic Church, St John Vianney Parish, where she was a devoted member until her last days­­; volunteering to lecture whenever she was needed. She worked at Pacific Research Laboratories for 28 years as a Sales Manager and vital piece of the organization. Joanne loved rooting for her favorite sports teams and traveling to every corner of the world, but most of all she loved her family and friends. In 2005, being diagnosed with cancer, she battled resiliently and fought through many difficult treatments but always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life. A prayer service and remembrance will be held for Joanne on Friday, February 1st at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (Vashon Island) at 7pm with a reception to follow. The funeral mass will be held on February 2nd at 11am at St. John Vianney Church, followed by a reception. Joanne is survived by her mother Virgiline McGinnis; Husband, Kelly Burke; Brothers, John (Patricia), Steve, Patrick, Joseph (Carmella), and Thomas McGinnis; Sister, Kathleen (Randy) Deschene; children Katie, Eileen (Andy Casey), and Michael Burke; grandchildren Eleanor and Henry Casey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Donations can be made to the Vashon Firefighters 911 Fund PO Box 1150 Vashon, WA. 98070, Vashon Youth and Family Services and The Scholarship Fund at Vashon Allied Arts, in Loving Memory of Joanne McGinnis.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com. Paid Obituary.