FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOMES SINCE 1881
| Joan Burch |
| April 25, 1940 - May 25, 2026 |
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Public Events and LocationsViewing - Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:30 to 10:20 AM at St. Cecilia Church, PhiladelphiaFuneral Mass - Monday, June 1, 2026, 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia Church, Philadelphia |
ContactsFuneral Home - Wetzel and Son Funeral Home - 419 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046 - 215-663-8550 - Map |
| Clergy - St. Cecilia Church - 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111 - 215-725-1240 - Map |
| Family Florist - Sally’s Flowers - 7950 Oxford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 - 215-722-4500 - Map |
| Donation - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 - 800-822-6344 - Map |
The following obituary was composed by Joan’s family:
Joan Burch (Ritchie) peacefully passed away on May 25, 2026. Beloved wife of Robert Burch III, Devoted mother to Michael Urbanski, Robert Urbanski (Allan), William Burch (Peg), Paul Burch (Christina) and Robert Burch IV (Patricia); Loving grandmother to Kelly Urbanksi, William Burch (Christina), Matthew Burch, Michael Burch (predeceased), Emily Burch, William Burch and Nathan Burch. Doting great grandmother to MacKenzie Lafferty Burch, William Burch, Peter Burch and Natalie Burch. She had beautiful relationships with her brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Joan lived her whole eighty-six years in Philadelphia and was a parishioner of Saint Cecilia Church.
Her life was defined by love, sacrifice, and caring for others, Joan spent her life putting family first and found her greatest joy in taking care of the people around her.
She was the heart of her family and the person who kept everyone connected. If there was news to share, a birthday to remember, a gathering to plan, or someone who needed help, she made sure everyone knew and everyone felt included. Joan had a way of making people feel cared for, whether it was making sure everyone had enough to eat, worrying about others before herself, or simply making sure nobody felt alone.
Her kindness and generosity extended across generations. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, toys for the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and countless memories. She never hesitated to give herself and spent decades taking care of those she loved.
More than anything, she will be remembered for her selflessness, strength, and unconditional love. The values she lived by-family, loyalty, compassion, and always being there for others-will continue through the many lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:20 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at St. Cecilia Church, 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Joan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Family flowers arranged by Sally’s Flowers 215-722-4500.
www.wetzelandson.com
Joan Burch (Ritchie) peacefully passed away on May 25, 2026. Beloved wife of Robert Burch III, Devoted mother to Michael Urbanski, Robert Urbanski (Allan), William Burch (Peg), Paul Burch (Christina) and Robert Burch IV (Patricia); Loving grandmother to Kelly Urbanksi, William Burch (Christina), Matthew Burch, Michael Burch (predeceased), Emily Burch, William Burch and Nathan Burch. Doting great grandmother to MacKenzie Lafferty Burch, William Burch, Peter Burch and Natalie Burch. She had beautiful relationships with her brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Joan lived her whole eighty-six years in Philadelphia and was a parishioner of Saint Cecilia Church.
Her life was defined by love, sacrifice, and caring for others, Joan spent her life putting family first and found her greatest joy in taking care of the people around her.
She was the heart of her family and the person who kept everyone connected. If there was news to share, a birthday to remember, a gathering to plan, or someone who needed help, she made sure everyone knew and everyone felt included. Joan had a way of making people feel cared for, whether it was making sure everyone had enough to eat, worrying about others before herself, or simply making sure nobody felt alone.
Her kindness and generosity extended across generations. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, toys for the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and countless memories. She never hesitated to give herself and spent decades taking care of those she loved.
More than anything, she will be remembered for her selflessness, strength, and unconditional love. The values she lived by-family, loyalty, compassion, and always being there for others-will continue through the many lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 9:30 to 10:20 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at St. Cecilia Church, 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Joan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Family flowers arranged by Sally’s Flowers 215-722-4500.
www.wetzelandson.com
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