Joan Ann Walko (nee Kotch), of The Villages, FL, born 06/17/1937 in Hazleton, PA passed away on 08/28/2016 after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of more than 55 years, Joseph Walko, her children, Joseph, John, Jacquelyn and Susan her grandchildren, Kathleen, Morgan, Lauren and Elizabeth, as well as her brother Andrew (and wife Marie) Kotch and sister Patricia Styen (nee Kotch). She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Susan Kotch, and her brothers Leonard and Carl Kotch.
She was a long term resident of The Villages in Florida and an active member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, also in the Villages. Joan had a passion for, and a lifelong pursuit of education, ultimately earning a PhD in education from Penn State University in 1989. Until her retirement, she was a Physics and Chemistry teacher in the Hazleton Area School District (Pennsylvania). She had an on-going thirst for knowledge; a trait passed along to her children and grandchildren, and continued to explore teaching and education even after her retirement. Joan also had a passion for life and loved living in The Villages. She enjoyed sports and was a Penn State Football fan (and season ticket holder for many years) and fiercely supported The Tampa Bay Rays, rarely missing a game. She was very religious and spiritual and had a strong belief in angels and how they worked in our daily life…something she would willingly share with family and friends. No matter what was going on in her life, she had a tremendously positive attitude and would help others see the positive aspects of their lives as well.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., located at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, The Villages, FL 32159.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.