Ethel Mae (Johnson) Koch

Early morning on Friday, May 24 th,2024 surrounded by all of us the Koch family lost a much loved member of our family, Ethel Mae Koch nee: Johnson. Loving and devoted wife of Carl Brian Koch, beloved mother of Deborah (late Robert) Swieringa, Keith (Kathy) Koch, Kevin Koch. She was the cherished nana of Jennifer (Rodney) Mack, Brian (Kristine) Koch, Jeff (Leah) Swieringa, Nicole (Mike) Bubash, Stacey Swieringa and Michael (Liz) Koch great-grandmother of 13. Taylor Koch, Hayley Koch, Micah Koch, Halle Mack, Gwynie Mack, Ellie Mack, Lilly Mack, Alexis Mack, Charlie Mack, Rhys Mack, Silas Swieringa, Annebelle Fazekas, Alex Bubash, Addy Bubash. Dear sister in law of Kenneth (Olga) Koch. Preceded in death by parents, Mabel and Glen Johnson, sister Geraldine (Robert) Baker, brother-in-law, and treasured friend of Joan Rosenbach and Rosemary Freebeck.

Ethel was a yoga instructor and was responsible for starting a yoga class at the, YMCA. She had her realtor license and worked while raising her children. Ethel loved her book club, golf league, and working out at Riviera Health Club.

Ethel will be remembered for her love of her family. She promoted family values such as; love, sharing, and forgiveness. Ethel was always there for the family especially when life became challenging. She was our role model and taught many valuable lessons throughout her life. Whenever family came to visit, she would ask, “Is everyone okay?” Ethel loved her family more than anything and helped us to understand the importance of family. We as a family hope we can embrace all she has taught us. When we think of true love, we witnessed it every day between Brian and Ethel. They have been together for 72 years. Their love was deep and pure. Brian stated: “we were always together.” We can only hope and pray for a love such as theirs.

Ethel will be missed by all she embraced throughout life.

In closing: “A life well lived is one filled with joy and love.”

Family and Friends may gather for Memorial Visitation on Thursday June 13th 9:00am with the funeral service starting at 11:00am at Peace Memorial Church 10300 West 131st St. Palos Park, Illinois. On Thursday June 13th Inurnment immediately following in the Peace Memorial Church Columbarium. 

*Please Omit Flowers                                                       

Arrangements for Ethel and her family have been entrusted to Debbie Zefran-Jerry funeral director and friend.