Elaine Koon

The Lord called home the most beautiful soul on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, as Elaine Rose Kocal Koon went peacefully into the arms of our loving God.  Elaine was born in Hammond, Indiana on October 14, 1934 to Rose and Tony Kocal.  A lifelong, devout Roman Catholic, she was the Valedictorian of her class at Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, OH, then attended Mercy School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA. She met the love of her life, Thomas Koon after being tasked to teach him how to do the Charleston for the school play.  They married on November 5, 1955 and had 8 children, survived by all:  John Koon (Annie), Tim Koon, Susan Koon Langerud, Jeff Koon (Peggy), Beth Koon Michalec (Tommy), Larry Koon (Jenifer), Jeanne Koon Van Craenenbroek (Pascal), and Dan Koon, affectionately known by all as the “Koon Platoon.”  Elaine and Tom were blessed by their children with 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Elaine loved her profession as a Registered Nurse, and she served in many capacities of that job for nearly six decades, which earned her the endearing title of “Nurse Grandma” to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and adopted grandchildren).  More than her job or even life itself, she loved her family and especially her husband Tom.  They created many happy memories and stories over their almost 62 years of marriage, and those memories will be held preciously by her family and all who knew Elaine.  She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.  She was the most caring, loving and carefree spirit!  She would give you the shirt off her back or the last breadcrumb!  Her final years were spent at Meadows Place Senior Village in Stafford, TX, where she made many friends who will miss her dearly.  Her laughter, love and infectious personality will live on forever in all of our hearts and memories.  True to her father’s legacy, she loved to tell stories, for which her children are forever grateful.  May the Lord grant her eternal rest!!

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Rose and Tony Kocal, her parents in law Clyde and Joy Koon and her husband Thomas Melvin Koon, and is survived by all 8 of her children mentioned above, as well as her siblings Martin Kocal (Elaine), Ruth Delatore (John ), David Kocal (Aida), Shari Evans (Bryant), Irene Rensi, Nina Lange and Paula Miotlowski (dec.), her sister of the heart Betsy LaShelle, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77498.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Blessing Box Project.  This is a Volunteer Breast Cancer Survivor group that sews and sends mastectomy pillows and shirts to women going through the Breast Cancer journey.  Donations may be sent via Paypal to Bethmichalec@aol.com; Zelle or check payable to Beth Michalec.