Zorita Koenig

Born on October 29, 1954, in Deta, Romania, Zorita lived an extraordinary life across Romania, Germany, and the United States. She spoke six languages, lived through the Romanian Revolution with her five-year-old son, and rebuilt her life first in Germany in the 1990s and then in America starting in 2000. She came just short of celebrating 25 years since moving to the United States.

Zorita was a lifelong entrepreneur who built businesses in both Germany and the U.S. She ran a furniture store in Germany, a German bakery in Tennessee, and a café in Florida. Her most meaningful venture, Zorita Koenig Home Care, began when she became the full-time caregiver for her then-boyfriend, who became paraplegic after a car accident. She later married him and turned that care into a business serving elderly clients in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. She chronicled that journey and more in her memoir, Out of the System.

Zorita had a generous spirit and a deep love for people. She found joy in simple pleasures: cruising to the Bahamas with her husband, Jan Bengulescu; baking cakes and pastries for friends and family; spending quiet time at the beach; and caring for animals. She had a special bond with her dog, Connor, who passed away a few years ago, and leaves behind her cat, Emerson. Her home was always open, and anyone who entered was treated like family.

She is survived by her husband, Jan Bengulescu; her son, Leo Koenig; her daughter-in-law, Angela; her grandchildren, Sean and Jordan; and her brother, Milan Stanisici. She also leaves behind many dear friends and chosen family across the world.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM, at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A virtual option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.