Joan Marie Konecny Hope, 81, passed away on August 17, 2026 in Abilene. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 6:30pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026 with Rosary starting at 6:30pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd. with burial to follow in Potosi Cemetery. A lunch will be served back at Holy Family Catholic Church following the burial.

Joan was born May 5, 1945, in Fort Worth TX and married Ronald Elwyn Hope on August 8, 1964, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Fort Worth. They shared a loving marriage of 62 years. Having three beautiful children; Steven, Douglas and Pamela, who all grew into successful careers. Joan took care of every need in the family, and Joan made sure it got done - whatever it took.

Ron and Joan retired early and went to see the country in their motor home. They enjoyed riding steam trains in Durango & Silverton and the Cumbres and Toltec, and touring railroad museums, historic hotels and areas of town.

Joan enjoyed cooking and baking. We still have her recipes and cookbooks that we will cherish. Some of our favorites were meatloaf, stuffed bell peppers and pot roast. On all birthdays mom would make a double layer cake with frosting. Our memories on waiting to lick the bowl after cake mix and polishing off the leftover chocolate or strawberry frosting are the best.

Joan also enjoyed just being with the family, whether it be working on our model railroad, painting rent houses, or removing sheet rock or plumbing. Joan was always near us and helping to do whatever she could to get the job done and just enjoyed the family bonding.

Joan was an accountant and responsible for office operations at a Houston Dental company and our family business. She made sure payroll, collections and any other items got done working all hours to make it happen.

In the last years, our memories of being with Joan are precious, and Steve always making dinner for her and Ron. He always made a dish that tasted good. Ron and Steve were always at her side having dinner while watching historic train videos and documentaries on Texas towns.

Everyone close to Joan recalled many experiences. The most memorable was holding her hand, this was the connection we all will never forget. We could feel her hand holding our hand firm. She was scared and just having a hand to hold and talk to her was most comforting. Every now and then we would catch a smile with her beautiful eyes and a “thank you”.

Joan is survived by her husband Ronald; children Steven, Douglas and Pamela; and her brother, Jim Konecny and wife Lisa of Weslaco, Texas; sister, Joyce Brown and husband Mark of Austin; numerous nephews, nieces, and many friends.

Thank You, Joan.  Rest in Peace in the hands of our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.