Joanne I. Kovacs, age 87, formerly of West Lafayette, IN, was joined with the Lord on February 14, 2022, in Troy, Ohio.  Joanne was born on April 11, 1934, in Canton, Ohio, to the late H. Webster and Hilda Lent.  She grew up in Canton, graduating from Lincoln High School, then attended Baldwin Wallace earning a Bachelors in Health and Physical Education and later a Masters in Physical Education from the University of Iowa.  She was inducted into the Baldwin Wallace Athletics hall of fame in 1993 for her contributions to multiple sports.

As a member of the faculty at the University of Iowa, Indiana University, and Purdue University, she held numerous roles coaching and teaching physical education and sports to many students.   It was in swimming that Joanne found joy, coaching synchronized swimming programs and her biggest passion, teaching children and adults to safely enjoy the water by leading many learn-to-swim programs in Indiana and Minnesota.  She was especially fond of mentoring the next generation of swim instructors through her programs.

Joanne was involved in many pursuits in the community as an active supporter of Delta Zeta Alumnae, swim programs, and churches, especially her home church at Faith Presbyterian Church of West Lafayette. A charming, perceptive personality, and quick to laugh, Joanne engaged with everyone she encountered as she played cards, facilitated craft activities, or hosted dinner parties.   Known for her culinary delights, she was always adding and experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques.  Joanne also enjoyed classical music and attended many local orchestral and choral performances.  Joanne was well known for her extensive crafting abilities including constructing wreaths, baskets, quilting, macramé, sewing, and knitting.  She was also noted for her trademark hand crafted personal Christmas cards, newly designed every year for the grateful recipients. 

She met and married Laszlo Kovacs in Bloomington, IN, and they had two sons, Denis (Michelle), and Bradley, who both survive.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Laszlo, her parents, and siblings Doris (Bill) Bailey, Mildred (Lester) Roig, and William (Marilyn) Lent.  Her two granddaughters, Renee and Kendra Kovacs, brought her great joy as she watched them grow and be active in sports. 

Funeral arrangements are being facilitated by Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home, Brookston, Indiana. A private funeral service will be held by the family in the future.