Kristen was born November 15, 1983; the only child of Ralph and Pat Koenig. She grew up in Pequannock, NJ and attended Holy Spirit School and then Hillview Elementary, followed by PV Middle School.
She was a Girl Scout, during those years and loved the camaraderie with the girls and the many trips they enjoyed. Kristen also played soccer and softball on town teams and basketball for the Boys and Girls club.
DePaul Catholic was her 1st choice for High School. She participated in the youth group as well as playing soccer, softball, track and field and her 1st love; basketball. Kristen felt a strong sense of “belonging” at DePaul and loved her days there.
Kristen attended Kings College and graduated in 2006 with a BA in sociology and psychology. She interned with the blind and troubled kids and coached basketball at the Boys and Girls Club. She went on to a career at Resources for Human Development where she assisted troubled adults making the transition from institutional life to everyday life.
She also co-founded “Powerhouse Productions” with a friend and ventured into the entertainment field. They provided karaoke and video games to various establishments and private parties.
She had a zest for life and the gift of gab; she could talk to anyone young, old and in-between. She loved to laugh and she spread it around. Kristen described herself on MySpace as “one of the best friends you’ll ever have” and that she was. She never hesitated when a friend called.
In March 2008 life changed for Kristen, her family and friends. She became severely anemic and was then diagnosed with Angiosarcoma Cancer. There were countless transfusions and multiple surgeries. Kristen’s case was studied at NYU Sloan Kettering, Beth Israel, Valley & RW Johnson Hospitals. The news was always bleak.
Kristen maintained a positive attitude and a strength that was unparalleled. Her sense of humor prevailed and we laughed through the tears with family and friends that surrounded her every day, until she went to heaven on September 8, 2008.
