Maria Koen

She studied English Philology at the University of Warsaw and taught English at Technical University of Rzeszów POLAND. Maria moved after her parents' death to the US in 1985, where she continued her education as an English teacher. She taught at Northbrook Middle School where she retired after 15 years of service.

Maria always LOVED God and people, particularly those in need. Her childhood and youth friendships lasted a lifetime. Her Polish students continued to be in touch with her and continued to visit her until her last trip to Poland in 2018.

She also demontrated courage, persistence and compassion assisting and supporting fellow students and other people arrested or suffering otherwise during the dreary communist days in Poland.

Lively and brisk, with her leadership, sparkle and quick wit she was "nominated" and remained "the Sheriff of Room 406" by her three colleague dormitory roommates, wearing her "Sheriff" star for all five years.

Maria enjoyed gardening both vegetables and her rose bushes. She spent many years traveling and spending time with family and friends near and far. As many already know, she enjoyed cooking Polish food for any and all. Her evening bike rides with Ron was also one of her favorite activities.

Preceded in death by her parents, her step sister Paulina, her husband, Ron Koen, of 30 years, and her step nephew Wiesław.

She is survived in Poland by two of her step nephews Ryszard with wife and 2 children Victoria and Bartosz, Lech with wife and one son Patryk, and by Maria's third nephew Wiesław's wife and five children Julita, Grzegorz, Natalia, Marzena and Violetta. Maria cared for all of them. She is survived in the US by her step children, Jeff and wife Brandy, Tony and wife Laura, Joyce Hoel and husband David, Amy Rushing and her husband Jeff. Grandchildren Jeffrey and Amber Rushing, Reagan Madison, Alexandria Rushing, Michael Hoel, Chloe Koen, Kynlie Barrette, Caroline Hoel, Hunter Koen and Brenna Ploof. Great grandchildren MaKaylie Rushing, Tucker Madison and Weston Rushing, along with an abundance of friends. Her memory will be forever cherished. May she rest in peace.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at Cashner Funeral Home with a rosary recited at 6:00pm. Funeral mass will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11:30am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church (1731 Blalock Dr., Houston, Texas, 77080). Burial will follow at 2:00pm in Houston National Cemetery.