Celebration of life Joyce Lee (Calkins) Burek-Phillips

Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm
Inside clubhouse

Joyce Lee (Calkins) Burek-Phillips,

71 of Grant St., Greenfield, MA, died on October 8th 2025, at her daughter’s home in Greenfield, MA. She spent her final days surrounded by love and visits from family. She passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, following a long battle with cancer. She was born July 24, 1954, in Keene, NH, the daughter of Roger Calkins and Alice (Lawrence) Wing (both deceased). Her stepfather, Ralph Wing (deceased), helped raise her. She was the wife of Gary Phillips; they were married on August 25, 2014, in Greenfield, MA. Though they met later in life, they were soulmates who loved each other greatly.

Joyce was raised in Winchester, NH, and graduated from Thayer High School Class of 1972. She married Henry Burek Jr. in 1977; they were divorced in 1994, but remained close friends until he died in 2014. Joyce worked at Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility in Greenfield as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 20 years, until her retirement. She was loved by her co-workers and patients alike and was known for her empathetic approach to caring for patients. Prior to that, she worked at Wells Tool in Greenfield as a machine operator.

Her personality was warm and loving, with a childlike spirit, laced with a sarcastic sense of humor. She radiated her nickname "Joy". She was a natural caretaker and was always there to help those she loved. Joyce loved summer. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, shopping, swimming in her pool and decorating her home. There wasn’t a weed that was safe in her presence. She was a member of Christ Church in Greenfield.

Joyce was predeceased by her brother Jeffery A. Calkins of Winchester, NH, and her step-son William E. Burek of Turners Falls, MA.

Survivors include her husband Gary Phillips, of Greenfield, her daughter, Belle Burek McCarthy also of Greenfield, her son Henry Burek III of Miller’s Falls, her step-daughter Kelly Burek of Bernardston, her grandchildren Timothy McCarthy of Montague, Matthew McCarthy of Greenfield, Louis Burek, Lyla Burek and Millie Burek, all of Miller’s Falls, her siblings Susan Calkins of Hampton Beach, NH, Bruce Calkins of Waterville, ME and Linda Calkins-Ward of Mason, NH and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step-son, Garrett Phillips of Montague, and her Grandchildren by marriage, Kohen Phillips, Madison Phillips, and Quinn Phillips, all of Montague.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Miller’s Falls Rod and Gun Club in Montague, MA, on November 8, 2025, from 1-6 pm. The family would like for anyone who was touched by Joyce's life to attend. Burial will take place at a later date at Highland Cemetery in Millers Falls, MA.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their assistance throughout this difficult time. Special thanks as well to, David Rubeck for assisting in her end-of-life care and also to her beloved friend and coworker, Judy Bailey, who visited Joyce every day towards the end and assisted in care.