Joan Bernice Fitzpatrick, 88, went to be with Jesus on February 2, 2021, attended by her four loving daughters, Kathryn (Carl) Johnson, Nancy (Ted) Langenfeld, Cheri Smarr-Foster, and Michelle (Mike) Sonnenberg. She was preceded in death by her infant son, William "Billy" Koyen.
Joan was born and grew up in Valentine, Nebraska, the youngest of nine children born to Joseph and Florence Chicoine. She and her first husband, Bernard "Bud" Koyen, lived most of their married life in Ainsworth, Fremont, and Omaha, Nebraska where she leaves behind many friends. Later, she moved with her daughter Michelle to Fort Collins where she met and married her beloved Clinton Fitzpatrick, who passed on before her.
"Joanie" loved Jesus. Her morning routine, for many years, was to spend time in prayer and reading her Bible and devotionals. She also loved singing, tending her garden flowers, sewing, knitting, and puzzles. She was a very caring and nurturing person and many people knew and admired her for her work as an activities director, and then as a med nurse, in various nursing homes in Larimer County. Joan was a wonderful mother and she will be dearly missed by her 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Private services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church followed by interment in Ainsworth, Nebraska.
Memorial donations may be sent to Samaritan's Purse by mail to:
Samaritan's Purse
PO Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
or online at:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/