Katherine Koenig

Katherine “Kay” Koenig, 85, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Community Hospice of Jacksonville on July 25, 2024. Kay was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 1, 1939 to Helen and John Rhodes.

She went to a Catholic grammar school where the nuns instilled in her a strong sense of service built on deep faith. From a young age, Kay was a living example of God’s love and self sacrifice, continually placing the needs of others over her own. She left high school early, working as a phone operator to help support her family.

In 1958, Kay married the love of her life: Larry Koenig. A strapping, handsome young man, Larry worked hard to forge a life for his family. Donna was born in 1959, followed by Billy in 1964 Vicky in 1967, Matthew in 1971 and Nicole in 1976. Even with all of the responsibilities of busy family, Kay and Larry felt the call to serve as foster parents to several children, providing a safe, loving atmosphere for children in need. Fostering eventually led to the adoption of two brothers, Patrick and Gerard. Kay and Larry ensured the house was was filled with love, wonderful home-cooked meals, and a deep sense of faith.

In 1987, Larry lost his battle with cancer, leaving a hole in Kay’s heart which could never be filled. Kay, her mother Helen, Matthew and Nicole moved to Palm Coast in 1991. Shortly after, they were joined by Vicky and her young daughter Korin. Having to support the family, Kay worked as a line worker for American Radionics, as a cashier at the local Cracker Barrel and later, as a cashier for CVS. It was in Palm Coast where Kay would add another role to her life’s resume: that of caregiver. As her mother’s health declined, Kay demonstrated the gift of compassion by caring for Helen until her death in 1993.

As time wore on, Kay began experiencing several health issues. She was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), reducing her body’s ability to fight infection. She developed a deep, wet cough, increasing tiredness, numerous upper respiratory infections which she would later learn were the early signs of COPD. Kay’s health problems worsened over time and, exacerbated by the CLL, her hospital visits became longer and more frequent. Never fully recovering from the previous hospitalization, Kay would find often herself back in the ER within weeks. This year alone she was in the hospital eight times. Eventually, she grew tired of fighting and wanted nothing more than to be with God where she could be reunited with her three children and the love of her life.

Throughout her life, Kay embodied the words of St. James who wrote, “faith without works is dead.” She exemplified God’s love and self sacrifice, continually placing the needs of others over her own. Whether it was opening her home to people who had lost their own, comforting someone who felt depressed and alone, or helping those who had lost their way, Kay would drop everything to help. No matter what hardship she faced, her faith in God and unwavering love for others never faded.

Kay quietly passed from this life to the next on July 25, 2024. Her spirit is carried on by her daughters Donna and Nicole (Frank), her sons Patrick and Gerard (Sherry), her numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Helen Rhodes, her sons Billy and Matthew, her daughter Vicky and the love of her life Lawrence Koenig.