Joan Elaine Koch

Joan Elaine Koch (nee Lammermann) passed away at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center on September 1, 2014, after a short illness, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her loving family as they recounted memories of wonderful lives graced by her love and enthusiastic support.

Joan was born in South Orange, New Jersey. As Head Majorette at Irvington High School in 1950, Joan led a 175-member marching band in spectacular halftime shows and other school celebrations. She had considered going to Broadway to dance with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, but instead pursued a secretarial degree from The Katharine Gibbs School.

She caught the eye of her future husband, Herman Charles Koch, who also grew up in Irvington and was then attending Rutgers University. She and Herm danced at the weekly "rat races" at the Jersey shore. They were engaged on Christmas Eve 1950, and were married on September 15, 1951.

While Herm was progressing in his career with DuPont and, later, Ametek, Joan focused on raising their five children: Jeff Koch (Kathy), Cindy Whaley (Dave), Bill Koch (Laurie), Matt Koch (Kandi), and Alison Wallace (Mark). She was thrilled by their happiness and successes. This enthusiasm continued with her 12 grandchildren (Alexis Koch; Matthew & Seth Whaley; Jack & Kate Koch; Austin, Ryan, Chad & Carson Koch; Ben, Jessie & Jennifer Wallace). She attended countless sporting and other school events of both her children and grandchildren, and was often the most vocal of fans. When her oldest children were in high school, Joan worked at Unionville High School for many years as a secretary for the Athletic Director.

After living and raising their family in West Chester, Herm passed away in December 2007. Joan continued living at the family home in Radley Run, where she maintained a close group of friends. She enjoyed playing bridge and swimming with her dear friends. She moved to the Reading area to live with the family of her daughter, Alison, in June 2013. She was welcomed with open arms, and thoroughly enjoyed her time in her new home.

Joan especially enjoyed spending time at Long Beach Island, New Jersey, at their home in Brant Beach, and would look forward to the family get-togethers there each year.

Her mother, Jessie Lammermann (nee Vail) died in 1968. Her father, Harold, died in 1970. Joan's only sister, Dolly McNally, passed away in 1972, at the age of only 46. She is survived by her five children, 12 grandchildren, and countless special friends. She will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered.

A memorial service will be held in October. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joan's memory to the West Chester Chapter of Meals on Wheels of Chester County or The Reading Hospital. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is entrusted with arrangements. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com