Joan Petersen Kopp

Joan Elizabeth Petersen Kopp, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Riverview Care Facility in Bossier City, Louisiana with her loving husband by her side. Joan is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob), and her daughters, Mary Kopp Adams and Nancy (Ivan) Vazquez; her grandsons, Armando and Anthony Vazquez, granddaughter Isabella (Mike) Castro, a great-grandson, Andy Castro. She is also survived by her nieces, Kim Petersen (Mark), Kaaren Lindsey (Chris), and nephew Eric Petersen (Sarah) her sister-in-law, Hoang Petersen as well as other family members. She was pre-deceased by her beloved brother, Eric in 2018. 

Joan was born in New York City on September 10, 1935, to Svend Erik Petersen and Leverta Pickett Marx Petersen. She attended the public school system in Queens County, graduating from Bayside High School in 1953. She briefly attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to New York in 1957 and settling in Dutchess County.

Joan worked as a teller for Poughkeepsie Savings Bank where she met her future husband, Bob. They were married on May 20, 1961, in Poughkeepsie where they lived until 2005 when they moved to Bossier City, Louisiana.

In addition to her family, Joan was most proud of her career as a musician. Her love of music began at a young age when she was introduced to the piano by her grandmother. Joan played piano and sang in the church choir for most of her life. She was often called upon to substitute as the organist for their church in Poughkeepsie and was appointed interim organist. Joan also played the string bass throughout high school and was the principal string bass player for the Kirkwood Symphony Orchestra and Hudson Valley Philharmonic. She was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 238-291. From 1967-1975, she was a vocalist and bass fiddle player for a local band (the Moonlighters) playing at dance/dinner parties and wedding receptions in the Hudson Valley area. She was also a piano accompanist for the Poughkeepsie Ballet Theatre and performed in the choir at their production of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. 

Upon moving to Shreveport, Joan and Bob were blessed to find a church community with St. Paul’s Episcopal church where they were active members until they were no longer able to attend. Joan and Bob were most grateful for the weekly prayer services and continued visitations from St. Paul’s church during the years they could no longer attend. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Care Center and Lifepath Hospice for the genuine care and comfort they have provided in her final years. 

Arrangements for a Memorial Service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Shreveport are pending.

Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Church, 275 Southfield Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana 71105, or to a charity of your choice.