Obituary of Joanne Vernon Kottke

Joanne Vernon Kottke, age 89, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Sad as this loss is, we are comforted to know she has been made whole in heaven. Joanne was born January 21, 1932 to John and Grace Lawrence of Brooklyn, NY. As a young girl, her family moved to Pelham, NY where she lived most of her life. She married Daniel Kottke in 1952 and devoted her time to her 3 children, her family, church, and community. Always graceful and elegant, Joanne had a servant’s heart and was a gentle, kind woman; a friend to many. Her passion for volunteerism in her Pelham community was always apparent, keeping her very involved with her church, Huguenot Presbyterian, the local PTA, the Junior League, the International Garden Club, the United Way among others. After moving to Essex, CT in 1995, she made many new friends through her time spent volunteering at the Essex Historical Society, the Women’s Exchange, and the River Museum. As a woman of strong faith, she was very active in the First Congregational Church of Essex, always willing to help with various activities. Joanne will be remembered with love for her kindness to others, her generous spirit, and her sweet disposition. She is dearly missed. Joanne was predeceased by her husband Dan who passed away in 2008. She is survived by her sister June Palmer of Savannah, GA; by her son Daniel Kottke of Palo Alto, CA; her daughter Nancy and son-in-law Mark Walters of San Diego, CA; her daughter Lauren and son-in-law Robert Caiazzo of Essex, CT; and by 7 loving grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Joanne is tentatively scheduled for October 23, 2021 at 10am at the First Congregational Church of Essex, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s name may be made to the First Congregational Church of Essex or to the Essex Community Fund. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.rwwfh.com Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.