Joan Koelemay

Joan Boreen Koelemay, 70, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, after a long, courageous battle with a neurological disease. Joan was a deeply loved wife, sister, aunt and friend whose intelligence, passion and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Joan Koelemay was born on January 30, 1955, in Ada, MN, to Byron Boreen and Irene Lerud Boreen. A lifelong learner and high achiever, she earned a degree in nutrition from the University of Illinois and a MBA from Santa Clara University, graduating at the top of her class in both programs.

Her professional life reflected her boundless curiosity and drive. After working as a registered dietitian and department store food stylist, Joan moved to Germany in 1985. Inspired by her lifelong hero, Julia Child, she pursued formal culinary training in France, finishing her training in a Michelin two-star restaurant. Upon returning to the US in 1989, she managed restaurants in California and operated a successful catering business for weddings and graduation receptions. Known for her exceptional leadership, Joan gained a reputation for turning around failing restaurants. A management textbook devoted an entire chapter to her management style and philosophy.

Joan moved to Houston in 1994, where she became the communications director of the USDA Child Nutrition Research Center. She created a website for the CNRC to provide the latest nutrition research to medical professionals, journalists and the public. She also served as a regional spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

In 2005 Joan was recruited to The Coca-Company to create a nutrition-focused website and to serve as a nutrition spokesperson. After moving to Atlanta, she met the love of her live, James "Jim" Koelemay. They married on July 29, 2006.

Though Joan never had children of her own, she embraced Jim's children, Kelly and Charles Koelemay, and became their devoted "bonus mom."

Joan loved hiking, biking, snow skiing, ballroom dancing, cooking, golf, travelling and hosting big parties. But most of all she loved riding horses, the faster the better.

Joan is survived by her husband and beloved bonus children; by her sister Barbara Boreen Parks of Birmingham, AL; her brother Bruce Boreen of Park Rapids, MN, her sister CJ Boreen Connolly of Mystic, CT; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Joan's life will be held on January 9, 2026, at 2pm at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, at 1660 North Decatur Rd NE, Atlanta GA, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joan's honor to Mission MSA, www.missionmsa.org