Joan Marie Koenig

Joan Marie Koenig, a beacon of intelligence, faith, and spirited warmth, passed away from pneumonia on January 6, 2024, in Havelock, North Carolina, at the age of 93. Born on July 18, 1930, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Joan's life was a testament to the power of education, community service, and dedication to family.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Egbert Catholic Church in Morehead City. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Joan's academic journey was marked by a profound love for the English language, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Master of Arts in English from Western Reserve University. Her love of knowledge, words, and literature led her to a teaching career, first as a teacher of English and mathematics in secondary schools. Joan's passion to educate continued as she became an English Instructor at St. John College in Cleveland.

After taking time off to raise her family, all the while volunteering, Joan returned to the workforce as a teacher, a parish secretary, and then the editor of a weekly paper, The Hudson Hub-Times. Her thorough knowledge of the Hudson community, and its government, led to her role as the Chief Zoning Administrator for Hudson Township, Ohio. There, she was instrumental in developing a new Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Resolution to preserve the township's cherished architectural and residential characteristics against urban sprawl.

Joan's commitment to community and service did not wane upon her move to the Morehead City area in 1994. She became an active member of several organizations, including the boards St. Egbert Ladies Guild, Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity, and Carteret County Newcomers, contributing her time and talents to improve the lives of others.

Family was the cornerstone of Joan's life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Robert George Koenig, her parents Felix Francis Kerchensky and Mary Jane Duff Kerchensky. She leaves behind a legacy of love and guidance through her children, Elizabeth (Robert) Kasper of Clarksville, TN, Elaine Koenig of Carmichael, CA, Michael (Janet) Koenig of Citrus Heights, CA, Therese (Mike) Kunka of Hillsboro, OR, and James Koenig of Sopchoppy, FL. Her grandchildren, Joseph Kasper, Daniel Kasper, Brielle Koenig, Meredith Jaramillo, Ashley Jennings, and Jamie Denise Koenig, as well as her six great-grandchildren, will carry forward the tradition of her love of learning and service.

Joan's life was one of profound impact, religious devotion, and enduring love. Her intelligence illuminated the paths of many, her faith sustained her and inspired those around her, and her spirited nature encouraged all to live life fully. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we remember Joan, we celebrate a life well-lived, a legacy of learning, leadership, and love. Her journey on this earth may have concluded, but her story will be recounted with admiration and her contributions will resonate in the communities she cherished so dearly. She asked that, in lieu of flowers, her friends and family make memorial contributions to Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity, St. Egbert Ladies Guild, or the Alumni Fund of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.