Joan Kiburz
(nee Zupez) passed away on May 27, 2024. Loving wife of the late William J. Kiburz for 56 years, devoted mother of Jack (Betsy Danis), Ann and William Jr., grandmother to Caroline & John and great grandmother to Ezra.
Joan was born in St. Louis to John Zupez and Marcella Zupez. After graduating from Academy of the Sacred Heart (City House) and attending Barat College in Lake Forest, IL, she finished her formal education at the University of Paris. This was also the beginning of her love of travel and France – she hosted a Bastille Day party every summer for years. Joan worked at Gardner Advertising as a newsletter editor before moving on to Employee Advertising Director at Stix, Baer & Fuller (Dillards). In 1978, she founded Coronet Travel Ltd., now the oldest luxury/leisure travel agency in St. Louis. For over 30 years, she arranged and led affinity tours around the world for high level donors to schools, museums, and other organizations. Highlights included being able to travel with her family, chartering the Air France Concorde for a trip to Paris, and organizing the official delegation (400+ people) traveling to witness the canonization of Philippine Duchesne.
In 2010, Joan retired from Coronet and spent the rest of her life giving back. She created the ‘MAKING IT’ program, a social entrepreneurship program which taught kids about healthy lifestyles. As a member of SLU’s Women’s Council, she created countless unique fundraisers, including Billiken Bones.
Services: Joan gifted her body to the SLU School of Medicine. Memorial Service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, the Criminal Justice Ministry or a charity of your choice.
Leave a Condolence