Joan Elizabeth (Korienek) Arnold-Burnham

      Joan Elizabeth Arnold-Burnham, age 71, of DeWitt, MI, entered into the arms of her Savior Thursday, November 16, 2023, at McLaren Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, with Pastor Adam Sharp officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, MI. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. on Monday, November 20, 2023, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

     Joan was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 8, 1952, the daughter of Joseph Steve and Agnes Elizabeth (Phillips) Korienek. She graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the class of 1970, and earned a Nursing Degree from Montcalm Community College.  On August 8, 1970, Joan married David Michael Arnold. They were blessed with two daughters prior to his death on April 13, 1976.  On June 26, 1991, Joan married John Edwin Burnham. They have been married thirty-two years.

     Joan's faith was the foundation of every aspect of her life. When David died, she learned to raise her two daughters through the grace and guidance of God. She shared her faith with anyone who would listen. Joan was a caregiver for everyone. She had a passion for devoting her time to hospice care and nursing homes; she loved to spend time with the elderly.

     Joan had a great sense of humor and a smile that lit up a room. She liked bicycling and fast cars, especially her cherry red '72 Chevelle. Her favorite vacation destination was Mackinaw Island. She was the master of the deal, after all, who could resist that smile? Joan deeply loved her family and invested herself into each one of them. Her grandchildren were her ultimate joy. Her kindness, sincerity and compassion for others shined bright!

     Her love for Jesus was the foundation for her entire life. In Joan's words, "Heaven's gate has opened, I'M HOME!!!!"

     Joan is survived by her husband John, two daughters: Jennifer (Lauchlin) MacGregor of DeWitt, MI; and Kristi (Scott) Schafer of Lansing, MI; step-daughters: Cristina (John) McDermott of Okemos, MI; and Gina (Mike) Mudrey of East Lansing, MI; and ten grandchildren: Kenna, Lauchlin IV and Elizabeth MacGregor; Broden and Skylar Schafer; Cooper McDermott; and Jack, James, Nick, and Afton Mudrey.  She is also survived by five siblings: Jeanne (Jim) Callahan, Jim (Diane) Korienek, Dan (Cathy) Korienek, Jane Korienek, and Mary Ojnik; sister-in-law Marian Korienek, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband David Arnold, and two brothers: Joe and Jerry Korienek.

     Memorials may be made to the family for gifts in Joan's memory to caregiving organizations.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.