Joan Marie Koch, 87, of Sun Lakes, AZ passed away in her home in the presence of loved ones on February 25th, 2022.

Joan was born March 15th, 1934, in Buffalo, New York to Frank and Helen Nemes. In 1955 she met and married the love of her life and partner of 62 years, David Koch, in Orchard Park, New York.

Joan was known as “a real firecracker” in life. Lively, opinionated, and sometimes mischievous, she made life an adventure for everyone around her. Joan traveled extensively both internationally and domestically. She enjoyed meeting new people and trying new things. She walked the streets of Greece, floated the rivers of Alaska, and waded in the oceans of Mexico. 

Joan was always impeccably dressed and known for her extensive turquoise jewelry collection. Her style was loud and unapologetic. A flamingo among sparrows, she commanded whatever room she was in with her flashy attire and bold personality.

Joan was a lifelong bridge player and a member of the Sun Lakes Bridge Club. She played to keep her mind sharp and to feed her appetite for competition. When her husband David was alive, they would start their day with a few rounds of Scrabble. David was smart enough to win only occasionally so as to not incur the ire of his beloved wife.

Joan is survived by her children David Koch, Carolyn Hartwig, Nancy Rhodes; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her daughter, Sandra.