In Memory of Donna Koenig (1958–2026)
Co-Founder of Starizona
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Donna Koenig, co-founder and co-owner of Starizona, who passed away on February 10th after a courageous year-long battle with glioblastoma.
Donna helped found Starizona in 1995 alongside her husband, Dean Koenig. In the earliest years of the company, she was not just behind the scenes—she was the scene: late nights at the store, packing orders by hand, running the retail floor, caring for customers, and keeping the business steady through countless long days and many uncertain years. Starizona exists today in large part because of her dedication, persistence, and quiet strength.
For many in the Tucson astronomy community, Donna was the first face you saw when you walked through our doors. She served as Starizona’s retail manager for many years and was known for her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for everyone who came in—whether a first-time stargazer or a seasoned astrophotographer. Her presence shaped the culture of Starizona in ways that continue to define who we are.
Donna balanced building a small business with raising a family, supporting Dean through decades of entrepreneurship, and caring deeply for the people around her. Her kindness was not performative—it was constant. The impact she had on our company, our community, and our family is immeasurable.
Starizona will be closed on Saturday, March 14 as we gather privately to celebrate her life. We wanted our broader astronomy community to know how much she meant to us, and how deeply grateful we are for the role she played in building this company that so many of you have supported over the years.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kind words and support. We will miss Donna greatly. Her light remains a part of Starizona, and we carry her forward in the work we continue to do.
- The Starizona Family
Clear skies, Donna. Thank you for helping so many of us find our way to the stars.
