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Demaine Funeral Home
OBITUARY

Jean Marie Konopka

Jean Marie Konopka, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 after an extended illness.

She was born in 1944 at the Fort McCoy Army base in Wisconsin to the late Francis Earl and Lena Grolemund.

She was married to her devoted husband, Michael Konopka for 42 years.

Jean graduated from St. Benedict Academy in her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, and retired from the Federal Government in Washington, DC, working in Administrative positions for many agencies, including the US Navy at the Pentagon, the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and the TSA.

After her retirement, she volunteered at the Washington Mt. Vernon Library as well as the INOVA Mt. Vernon Hospital.

Jean cherished the extensive rose garden that her husband Michael planted and kept meticulously maintained. She was known for keeping her co-workers and neighbors supplied with beautiful roses on a daily basis. She was an avid reader who had an extensive library with numerous signed first editions, and she was a loyal fan of the Washington Nationals.

She is survived by her husband Michael Konopka, her sisters Bette Gillette (Grant), Fairport, NY, Leeann Mills (Wendell), Erie, PA, her brother Earl Grolemund (Joyce), North East, PA, her stepson Matt Konopka (Crystal), Haymarket, VA, nieces Deborah Apthorp (Scott), North East, PA, Michelle Barbich-Ritzel (Jim), Erie, PA, Clara Bartlett (John), North East, PA, nephews Christopher Jones (Sarah), North East, PA, Benjamin Grolemund, North East, PA and grandchildren Dillon and Lily Konopka of Haymarket, VA.

Jean was a kind, generous, and caring person who loved many, many people...and they all loved her back.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA where she will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mount Vernon Library, 3600 Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121.

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Jean Marie Konopka

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Christine Muth

February 21, 2021

Mike-

I am so sorry. Jean was such a wonderful person. After 35 years of being friends and neighbors, there is so much to miss about Jean and also to be thankful for-book lectures and luncheons together at Mt Vernon (so many books!), dinners with you both, our love of dogs, and many shared visits and special occasions.
Abby and I will always come by. Much love and sympathy to you and the entire family.

Chris Muth

Matt Konopka

February 20, 2021

Missing you, Jeanie, but so glad I was able to be your stepson and a part of your life. I will miss getting together on the holidays, especially Christmas dinner. I was always in awe of your love and knowledge of the finer things in life – the theater, plays, and books. Your love of books was always evident, and you kept your collection in meticulous order! You will never be forgotten and know that I will do my best to take care of my dad in your absence. Love you, Jeanie. – Matt

Bruce and Barb Burton

February 18, 2021

Jean was a dear friend and a wonderful neighbor. Anyone who had the pleasure of making her acquaintance was better for it. We will miss her. Condolences to Mike and all of Jean's family and friends.

Deb Apthorp

February 18, 2021

Dear Aunt Jean,
Its hard to put into words, how much I will miss you. You were my 2nd mom, I could call you anytime, and our talks were invaluable. I struggle everyday not being able to pick up my phone and call you one more time for advice or a silly supportive conversation laughing at the worlds nonsense. I know you are free now, watching over all of us as we struggle to go on without you for your caring advice and genuine love and concern. I will always talk to the sky now when I see roses or birds, especially when the Robin's return. I will remember to give Scott a hug from you, and to try my best to follow in your dignity & grace. Although I will not achieve your level, I promise to do my best to honor you as I go on without you here. I love you an miss you beyond words. Thank you for being a best part of my life.
Deb

Dillon and Lily Konopka

February 18, 2021

Dear Nana Jean,
We will miss you so much and wish we could have had more time with you. You always had a smile on your face each time we saw you. We know you’ll be keeping an eye on us from above.
Love, Dillon and Lily

Michelle Ritzel

February 17, 2021

I will always think of my Aunt Jean when I watch the birds, when I talk to the angels, when I feed the squirrels, when I read a good book, or when I open my home to friends and family. My Aunt's smile could put you at ease, and her love for her family and her country was to be admired. I will miss her dearly but know she is watching over us and we'll be together again one day.

Antoinette Barbich

February 17, 2021

It is so hard to put into words to share how you feel about a very special loved one. Jean was my sister-in-law but I always considered her my sister. Her gentleness, her wonderful smile, her willingness to always help whenever she could. She was like a second mother to my daughters. She not only opened her house to them but more importantly her heart. She is irreplaceable. I will always miss her. See you one day again when we all can be together.

Love, Toni

Wilbur Adams

February 16, 2021

Jean my dear friend, your presence, your friendship, your kindness will be with me forever. I will never forget.
Rest EASY my friend.

Wilbur Adams

Diane Yaworski

February 16, 2021

My husband, Tim, and I have known Jean for many years. We are Crystal's parents, grandparents to Dillon and Lily, and are in-laws to Matt Konopka. Jean, Michael, Tim and I were at the hospital for the birth of each of our grandchildren. Those are valued memories of life's precious moments.
We spent many birthdays and holidays with Michael and Jean. Jean was unfailingly kind and gentle. She was a positive and very easy person to spend time with. We enjoyed sharing opinions and updates on our Washington Nationals. This saying was true for her: never an unkind word about anyone.
Jean did a huge amount of volunteer work after her retirement. Her hours throughout the years of volunteering were significant and very valued. Her work at Inova Mt. Vernon Hospital was essential in that she organized and managed the volunteer corps. She was very well regarded by both the volunteers and hospital staff.
She is missed for all these things and more. Jean gave us family members lovely memories and she generously gave her precious time and energies to her community.
Diane and Tim Yaworski

JOSEPH COSUMANO

February 15, 2021

Jean was such a calm and competent person, who quietly kept the reins on many in the Headquarters of the Army s Space and Missile defense Command. It seemed that she was unflappable, her smile was infectious! Whilst many of us in uniform were "scurrying around" to react to 9/11, deploy and support troops in a new war -- Jean could be counted on to keep schedules/calendars and task performance --underlying the accomplishment of our mission. Her and Michael were a team, as they supported the Command. Whatever the occasion, social, charitable or mission support, they showed together. They mirrored the best in a "marriage". God has summoned another Angel to his midst, Jean. Michael and family --from the Cosumano Family, we Love and will miss Jean -- OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
LTG (r) Joe Cosumano jr and Family

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Sister’s weekend at the Morning Glory B&B in Pittsburgh

FROM THE FAMILY

Beautiful smile...and dimples!

FROM THE FAMILY

Jean with her sister Bette