Joan Konzel

Joan Marie O'Connor Konzel was born on January 12, 1946, to parents Jane Elizabeth (Schuwerk) and Gerard Patrick O'Connor. After graduating from Villa Maria Academy, Joan attended Fontbonne University. She returned to Erie as an elementary school teacher, first at St. John's and then Sacred Heart. She loved the classroom and her students.

Joan met John Michael Konzel, the love of her life, on a blind date. They wed June 19, 1976 and began building their life together.

Some years after welcoming their daughter, Mary Lynn (Konzel) Wilamowski, into the world, Joan returned to the workforce at Moore Research Services. She enjoyed her years there and loved the people she worked with.

Joan always leaned on her faith in God. Through this, she was able to live her purpose. She was a kind, loving, and compassionate soul. If she was able to help you in any capacity, she absolutely would.

Joan enjoyed reading books, doing crossword puzzles, playing card games, and attending shows at the Warner Theater and Erie Playhouse. She also loved a good pen and collected many. She could often be found sitting at the kitchen table writing letters, which she called "visiting with friends." Joan was a gifted artist and eventually moved into digital art, pouring her heart into projects that blessed others.

The absolute joys of her life were her daughter and son-in-law (Dave) and their 3 children, David, Chris, and Jane. She adored her grandchildren, and it was easy to see on her face as it lit up around them.

God blessed Joan and her "little family," as she affectionately referred to them. Her last days on earth were peaceful. As she took her final breaths on the sunny afternoon of June 27, 2026, Joan opened her eyes for the first time in days, for one last time. She saw the people she loved most, sitting at her side, loving her with their whole hearts. That love carried her to Heaven's Gate. In the moment of earthly goodbyes, her Savior, Jesus Christ, welcomed Joan to her eternal home.

Family and friends may gather at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., Wintergreen 2532 Norcross Rd, Erie on Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of fresh cut flowers or donations, bulbs are requested so the family can plant them in memory of Joan, a loving wife, mama, and Damma.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com