Joan Burnham Wright

Joan Burnham was born on Labor Day, September 1, 1930, to Leland C. Burnham and Eunice E. Simpson. The second of four children, Joan grew up in Ruth, Nevada. When she was fifteen, her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Joan was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a firm testimony of the gospel and was a student of the scriptures.

She graduated from the University of Utah where she played clarinet in the marching band. After graduation, she taught elementary school in California before serving as a missionary for two years in Brazil. She met Dean Franklin Wright in Curitiba, Brazil. Joan and Dean were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on December 19, 1958. Together they were the parents of four children: Kevin, Jodean, Amy (Greg), and Claris.

Joan was an avid reader and an outstanding teacher. She served in a wide variety of church assignments and taught for many years at Rosamond Elementary. She was a dedicated grandmother and dearly loved each of her grandchildren: Josie, Daniel (Shannon), and Will (Maren).

Joan Burnham Wright died peacefully at home on December 9, 2025, at the age of 95 and is having a joyful reunion with her husband, Dean, her son, Kevin, her parents, and her two sisters, Barbara and Evva Jean.

She is survived by her brother, T. Lee Burnham, her daughters, and her grandchildren.

Viewing: Friday, December 19, 2025, 10:00 – 10:45 AM 
Mill Hollow Ward 
2522 East 6710 South – Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121

Funeral Service: Friday, December 19, 2025 11:00 AM 
Mill Hollow Ward
2522 East 6710 South – Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121

Interment: Mountain View Memorial Park
3115 East Bengal Blvd (7800 South)
Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121