Joan Valayne VanKonynenburg of Hudson, NH, passed away peacefully at Community Hospice House on November 3, 2021. She was survived for four days by her husband of 42 years, John James VanKonynenburg, in the same facility. Her infant son, Christopher William Karpf and a stillborn daughter, Amy, predeceased her. She is survived by her three children, Thomas Karpf and his wife Jessie of Newington, CT, Elizabeth Saede and her husband Leo of Stonington, CT, and James Karpf of Manchester, NH. She leaves behind beloved grandchildren Michelle Wienner, Alex Sczewczyk, Bernadette Karpf, Adam Karpf, Nicolas Karpf, and three great-grandchildren Grace Bagley, Nora Wienner, and James Wienner.
Joan was born in Oswego, New York, on June 10, 1938, the eldest of 7 children, to Harold Wise and Betty (McMahon) Wise. Her sister, Betty Jane Wilson, predeceased her. Joan’s remaining siblings are Jeanette Kieper, Sandra Bilowus, Carol Rupracht, Harold Wise, Alfred Wise, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. During her 16 year marriage to Theodore Karpf for 18 years, she had four children and lived in various states, including NY, MA, CT, NV, and CA. She lived in Miami, FL before moving to NH.
Joan worked hard on the family farm, adored horses, and helped care for her siblings. She graduated from Oswego High School and worked as a secretary for various organizations, including the Boys Scouts of America, a catastrophic injury lawyer, a Scottish tech company, and finished her career with the Federal Aviation Administration. She joined and became the National Vice President of the Native American Alaskan Native (NAAN) coalition which supports Native American participation in Federal employment. She traveled to Alaska, Oklahoma, and Florida through NAAN and created enduring friendships.
Joan loved the Lord and was a good friend and compassionate peacemaker. She collected beautiful Native American silver jewelry and prepared a variety of delicious food. Joan loved to sing hymns and Country music and had a beautiful contralto voice to yodel. She delighted in her family and sent cards for every occasion. Her magnificent spirit lives on with all who love her, and a celebration of her life is planned for Oswego, NY in August 2022.