Lucienne Armande Kohnke

Lucienne Kohnke passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2025, one day before her 105th birthday! She was born in Dijon, France, as the only child of a French Army Infantry officer, Léon Tẽtu and his wife, Marie. Lucienne spent most of her school years in Fez, Morocco, where her father was stationed and Dijon. There she was introduced to a young Saint-Cyr French military officer Emile Ferrier and they had a son, Guy. She was widowed a few years later in 1942 and hence, worked in Dijon as a legal assistant.

After the 1944 Allied landing in Normandy, she met her husband William Kohnke, whist assisting the U.S. Army in Dijon. They were married in 1945.

After the war ended, Lucienne and her husband remained in Europe. His work with the U.S. Department of Defense managing MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreations) services, took them to outstanding posts; Paris; Dijon (where their daughter Linda was born); Chaumont AFB; RAF Lakenheath, England; followed by amazing transfers to Italy, Spain, and Germany. Extensive travels enjoyed by the whole family!

Lucienne worked in American Military hospitals in both paid and Red Cross volunteer positions and as a French teacher. She was also very involved with the Officers’ Wives Clubs, and had much to contribute with her artistic talents. She was an amazing, talented and charming lady, who lived through extraordinary times.

Lucienne moved to Williamsburg in 2002, where she participated in the Christopher Wren French Table at William and Mary, loved attending the Williamsburg Symphony Concerts, never turned down an occasion to dine with those she loved, and enjoyed playing Bunco with the Waterford ladies!

She will be remembered for her love and loyalty to friends and family – she was so loved…

Lucienne was predeceased by her husband H.W. Kohnke; son-in-law Edgar Rawlings Jones; and daughter-in-law Monique Ferrier. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Jones of Williamsburg and son, Guy Ferrier of Nimes, France; granddaughter, Isabelle Ferrier Depret and husband Marc Depret; and grandchildren, Matheo and Lilou. Not forgetting her beloved Yorkie, Chéri!

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Walsingham Shrine, 520 Richmond Rd., on September 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at St. Bede’s Kaplan Parish Hall on Ironbound Rd. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Lucienne was someone who brought happiness to everyone around her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Home Fur Hounds Inc., or a charity of your choice.