Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 10, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Once winning a ‘Most Beautiful Baby’ contest in her native Washington, DC, June Marie Banachowski Wrona, 87 died peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, March 10, 2022.  She was born on January 19, 1935 to the late Hilary and Nadine Banachowski.

June had the winning combination of both a brilliant mind and a brilliant smile.

June spent her youth on Albemarle Street in NW, DC.  June and her friends were avid Washington Senators baseball fans, attending nearly all home games at Griffith Stadium.  She attended St. Ann’s School, graduating in 1948.  June received a scholarship to attend Holy Trinity High School, graduating Valedictorian, in 1952.  She graduated first in her class from the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1956, also earning a Master of Arts Degree, from the University of Maryland in 1962.

June taught English and began her career at Sherwood HS where she met a very handsome History teacher, Mr. Wrona, who she would marry in 1960.  They raised their growing family in Maryland. First, in the Tamarack Estates neighborhood in Silver Spring and then in their home of more than 40 years in the Fox Hills West neighborhood in Potomac.  She would go on to teach at Paint Branch HS, Tilden JH, Montgomery College and The University of Maryland.  After teaching, June went on to a very successful and fulfilling career with the Federal Government.  She excelled in her writer/editor positions within The Commerce department, The Department of the Interior, Division of Wild Horses and Burros and the Department of Justice.  June, a published poet, in retirement continued with her poetry writing and her love for music.  She enjoyed a robust social life which included, family, friends, Tai-Chi, The Bridge Ladies and The Potomac Library Book Club.

In their 40-year marriage, June and Joe were an exceptional couple and partners in every facet of their lives.  They loved their wonderful children, their spouses and their grandchildren very much.  June, warm and giving, brilliant, witty and wise, loved her family ‘Big Much’ and often reminded them, ‘Do not wish your life away. Enjoy every moment.’

June is survived by her children, Victoria Wrona Sanders and her husband Ray of Charlotte, NC, Valerie Wrona Atmonavage and her husband, Anthony of Frederick, MD, James S. Wrona and his wife, Amy of Chevy Chase, MD and Douglas M. Wrona and his wife, Cathie of Charlotte, NC.   Also surviving are her eleven cherished grandchildren who she affectionately dubbed, The Bigs, The Middles and The Littles; Katie Atmonavage Jacobs and her husband, Cameron, Joe Atmonavage, Jack Atmonavage, Broderick Sanders, Samantha Sanders, Courtney Sanders, Hailey Wrona, Calie Wrona. Joe Wrona, Vu Wrona, Binh Wrona. June is also survived by her sisters, Nadine Banachowski and Elaine Bichy and brother, Hilary Banachowski.  She was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Joseph W. Wrona, who died in 2001.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 21, 2022 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1513 Dunster Road in Rockville, MD.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM at the church.  A reception will follow the service.  Interment will be at 2:30 PM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, MD.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606 and DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com or www.devolfuneralhome.com.