Joan Marie Zekan
June 04, 1992 - March 22, 2024
Charleston, WV
- Share:
Joan Marie Zekan
June 04, 1992 - March 22, 2024
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Joan Marie Zekan, of Charleston, WV, was born on June 4, 1992, and departed us suddenly on March 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV.
Joan was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 2010, where she was a standout student and a member of the drama club and cheerleading squad. She attended the College of Wooster where she majored in French with a minor in Communications. She was captivated by the French language and culture, studied abroad at the Sorbonne and the Catholic University of Paris, then later moved there for a time.
Joan had an affinity for children and spent many summers babysitting. During her time in France, she treasured her work as an English tutor for children and also served as an au-pair. She often taught the children’s liturgy at St. Agnes, and was consistently engaged with the children of the parish and their parents.
Joan was full of compassion and hospitality, always interested in serving others. Throughout high school, she worked with children’s camps and had the utmost compassion for those less fortunate than her in rural Appalachia. She spent time working for the Save the Children foundation in Denver, CO, where she raised funds to fight childhood hunger. More recently, she was employed in hospitality at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Those left to remember Joan’s legacy are her loving parents, Dr. Stephen and Catherine Zekan of Charleston, WV; her Grandmother, Verna Zekan of Charleston, WV; her siblings, Mary Onderdonk (Adam & Victoria) of Pittsford, NY, and David Zekan (fiancée Mary Novak) of Morgantown, WV, amongst many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Preceding her in death were her maternal Grandparents, Robert “Bob” and Nellie Jarrett of Scott Depot, WV, paternal Grandfather, Dr. John G. Zekan of Charleston, WV, and Uncle John G. Zekan Jr. of Charleston, WV.
Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 4807 Staunton Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304, with Monsignor Fred Annie officiating. Entombment will be private.
Visitation will begin two hours prior at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joan’s memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038, development@afsp.org , or by calling (212) 363-3500.
You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.
18 responses to Joan Marie Zekan
Denise Burgess says:
April 5, 2024
Dear Steve, Cathy and family. Many thoughts and prayers for all of you. Joan was a beautiful girl. Peace be with all of you.
Rick and Candy Booth says:
April 4, 2024
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vicki Briscoe Stratton says:
April 4, 2024
Dearest Boo,
I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I’m sorry I didn’t know her but I know how deep your grief must be! I will carry you in my heart and in my prayers. I pray that you and Steve will be flooded with sweet memories to get you through this most difficult time.
Love,
Vicki Briscoe Stratton
jimmy says:
April 3, 2024
Nobody knew Joanie like I did. She was the most fascinating, amazing, and unique character I ever met. I am a better person because of Joanie. I wish her family would have known and understood the true Joanie. The Joanie I knew was the most thoughtful, loving, kind, selfless, exotic and boisterous female in the room at all times. People gravitated towards her, because she was smart and could fit in with anyone. She will truly be missed.
Lydia Queale says:
April 3, 2024
Joanie was such a sweet soul. I will forever remember all of our French classes together in high school! You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.