Published in the Albuquerque Journal on Friday July 22, 2005

Joan Elaine Kissinger 58, of Albuquerque, NM passed away on July 18, 2005, following a car accident. She was born in Akron, OH on July 31, 1946, to Herbert W. and Helen (Syroid) Kissinger. She graduated from Needham High School in Needham, MA and from the University of New Mexico with a degree in nursing in 1970. As an Army nurse, she was stationed in Okinawa, and after her service, she continued a career in OB/GYN nursing for over 30 years. She loved music -- singing, going to the opera, and playing the flute and piano. She was a wonderful photographer who enjoyed capturing family activities, important events and travel experiences. Her love of sewing and handcrafts resulted in numerous gifts to family, friends, coworkers, and church members. She was also fortunate to have many opportunities for international travel. An active member of the Sandia Baptist Church, she sang in the Sunday choir and enjoyed performing with the Gospel Heirs. She was a founding member of the New Mexico chapter of the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation. She is survived by her children, Jessica E. Todd of Silver Spring, MD, Catherine E. Todd and Matthew V. Tlush of Albuquerque, NM; her sister, Suzanne K. Loder of Durham, NH; and her brother, Phillip W. Kissinger of Foxborough, MA; and many extended family members. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2005, 4:00 p.m., at Sandia Baptist Church at 9429 Constitution Avenue NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the PKD Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114, (www.pkdcure.org) (800-753-2873).

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