Jean Marie Krivak

Jean Marie Krivak --- A beloved wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend passed away on September 23, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Bowie, MD. “Jeannie”, as she was affectionately known, was the only daughter to Nick and Verna Irvin (both deceased); sister to Dr. John Irvin and Bill Irvin (deceased); devoted wife to Joe Krivak (deceased) for 51 years; caring mother to Ed, John and Jeff; mother-in-law to Lisa (Jeff) and Karen (Ed); grandmother to Mya and Troy (Jeff and Lisa); sister-in-law to Judy, Sharon, Gini and Skip, Kay and Joe (both deceased), Tom (deceased) and Joyce; aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was 85 years old at the time of her death. Jeannie had been in good health until the Fall of 2022, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. 

Born in Weirton, West Virginia, on July 1, 1939; Jeannie had fond memories of a great adolescent life growing up in this small steel and coal town. She graduated from (Steubenville) Catholic Central High School (OH) in 1957, and then went to work for Weirton Steel as an Administrative Assistant in the Labor Relations Department. While living and working in Weirton, Jeannie eventually met her husband (Joe), who was the new high school football coach and teacher at Weirton (WV) Madonna High School. Soon after dating, their love affair blossomed, and Jeannie and Joe married on 11 November 1961. A marriage that lasted 51 years before her husband’s passing in 2012. 

After her marriage in 1961, Jeannie gave birth to all three of her sons in Weirton as her husband progressed in his high school coaching and teaching career. In 1968, Jeannie and family then moved to upstate NY as Joe embarked on a career as a college football coach, starting at Syracuse University (for 5 years). After Syracuse, Jeannie and family moved to Bowie, MD as her husband Joe advanced his coaching career at the University of Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the University of Virginia. Jeannie loved being a coach’s wife. She enjoyed the players, families, friends, and experiences that role presented as Joe continued his college coaching career. But, during all these coaching stints, Jeannie and her family never left Bowie. A town and community she cherished.

But there were two things that she loved even more than being a coach’s wife: being a mother and a grandmother! Jeannie was always there to drive one of her sons to baseball, basketball, or football practice, a doctor’s appointment, SAT-prep courses, or church. She loved to entertain and having her son’s friends visit the house. She also loved spending time with her two grandchildren (Mya and Troy). Jeannie was also blessed to have so many nieces, nephews, and friends that loved her. But, encompassing all this love and friendship, was Jeannie’s love for her church and catholic faith. She cherished her time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a congregant, member of Sodality, and as a Eucharistic Minister. Jeannie was known for her warm smile and affectionate personality. She could make you a friend in a few minutes! Jeannie had a great life that was full of family, friends, experiences, and love. 

In lieu flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or a similar cancer charity. Please reference the Jean Krivak family with your donation.