Obituary of Jacqueline Ann Koneval

Jacqueline "Jaki" Ann Koneval, 88, passed away on January 24, 2023 in Black Forest, Colorado. She died at home, after fifteen months of living as Dad’s widow. Every day, she awoke calling for him, and every night before bed was the same. Except on January 24, 2023 when she simply said, “Bob?...” in a clear voice and her soul departed. We are so glad they are reunited. 

Jaki was born on February 5, 1934 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Lenora (Christoff) Steve. 

She graduated from Lakewood High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952; having been active with the Senior Acappella, Choir, and Home Economics clubs. The oldest of six children, Jaki was a wonderful big sister according to sister Lois, who remembers Jaki as a thoughtful, kind, and beautiful soul. Jaki helped Lois get her first job by lending her just the right dress and helping with her hair and makeup. She even coached Lois on what to say at that first-ever job interview after high school. Lois swears that she got the job because of her! Lois also recounts with humor the times their mom went out and Jaki was expected to babysit the younger girls; Jaki would actually tie the girls to chairs until she saw their mom returning, at which point she would of course quickly untie them, and act as if nothing happened. Somehow, despite the younger girls telling on her, their mom never believed them! Such is the life of a wonderful sister, who is remembered by her family for the great times together and all the laughs. 

Those of us who laughed our way through family gatherings are now and forever indebted to Jaki and her resilient sisters, who were constantly lightheartedly teasing each other and making each other laugh. Wherever the Steve Girls were, fun times were at hand. This is how our family members love and take care of each other. We learned from mom and our aunts that when times are tough, you can laugh or cry your way through them, but the choice is obvious!

Jacqueline had a very artistic heart, which was expressed in many ways. For example, while living in Oregon, she picked up painting and learned how to belly dance. Her kids would return from school many a day to find her in costume, with music up loud, and she always threw daughter Amy the finger cymbals so she could join in. Jaki made the costume herself, of course, since she worked for Stretch & Sew fabrics. She sewed clothes from the then-new technology of stretch fabrics for both herself and daughter Amy. Then, they would take these new clothes to private ladies luncheons to do fashion shows. One memorable event was a poolside affair, which left Jaki rather uncovered during an outfit change, once the wind kicked up. But Jaki never missed a beat. She and Amy always went out for malted milkshakes afterwards, even that one day. 

Jacqueline is survived by her son, Gregory R. Koneval; her daughter, Amy Lynne Johnson; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert William Koneval; son, David Thomas Koneval; and her parents, Thomas and Lenora Steve. 

Memorial Service, 10:30AM, Friday, March 10, 2023, Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 11020 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. 
Reception to follow.  

If you wish to make a charitable memorial donation, please consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/srch/st-jude-donation.html?sc_dcm=58700006946881490&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&amount=x&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&msclkid=143d9e9d51721d7b9113fd63ded65e0a&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds, or the alternate link, https://www.stjude.org/