Joan I Luczai

Joan I Luczai, age 83, born in Stafford Springs, CT passed away on October 8, 2023.  She was a graduate of The Teachers College of CT, Springfield College, and Ball State University, European Division.

She taught school in CT for two years before launching a career with the Department of Defense Schools.  What started as a two year commitment turned into 35 years of an exciting and rewarding life.  From 1964-1998, she served as a teacher and school principal at various locations in Germany and Turkey.  Joan’s guiding approach to education was to always ask the question, “What is best for the students?”

She was often recognized with honors for her commitment to students, parents, teachers and the American and Host Nation communities.  She lived her life with “joie de vivre”, possessed a fierce intelligence and a quick wit.  She was a beacon of love, compassion, generosity, and strong will.  Her influence enriched the many lives she touched.

Returning to live in the USA, Joan enjoyed her volunteer work with the Virginia Arts Festival, Jamestown Settlement, Ferguson Center for the Arts, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and numerous special events.  Also, having gotten rid of the travel bug, she enjoyed her home, making new friends, and living in Williamsburg.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, Joseph J Luczai and mother, Leona M Luczai.  She is survived by Sandra Holshouser, life partner; Aunt Ann Luczai of CT; cousins scattered in New England; God children: Dr. Vanessa Von Hendy-Wilson of Greenville, SC; Gretchen Laguna of Westfield, NJ; and Kathleen Issen of Ashville, NC; members of her chosen family in NC; and friends scattered around the world.

Special thanks for the love, prayers, and support of family, friends, neighbors, St. Bede’s Joy Ministry, and Spring Arbor of Williamsburg.

A celebration of life will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home at 4124 Ironbound Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 on Friday 27th at 1 PM.  A reception will follow immediately after the service.  Those wishing to honor Joan’s memory may make contributions to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 (www.doctorswithoutborders.org)