Sister Joan Monsour, IHM, 89, died peacefully Wednesday, November 23, at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital, surrounded by her IHM Sisters.
Sister Joan was a resident of the IHM Senior Living Community, Monroe, since 2010 and had been very active in the life of the community on campus. She was a fine pianist, accompanying in liturgies, services and entertainment. Very much attuned to the prayer life of the Motherhouse, Sister Joan organized Mass requests of Sisters and staff. Behind a quiet demeanor was a lovely sense of humor she shared as a way of getting to know those around her.
Joan Monsour was one of two daughters and two sons in the James and Lucille Monsour family of Akron, Ohio. Born on April 26, 1933, in St. Thomas Hospital, Akron, Joan attended St. Mary elementary and high schools. The family belonged to Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church. After high school graduation, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name, Sister Lucille Marie. This year celebrates her 70th Jubilee as an IHM Sister.
As Sister Lucille Marie, she ministered in education at Epiphany and All Saints, Detroit, for several years at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, Westchester, Illinois, before returning to her hometown of Akron at St. Mary and St. Peter. In 1976 Sister Joan began a tenure at St. Francis de Sales Parish School, Akron, that lasted over 35 years. She was a strong teacher of religion, English and music. At IHM Westchester, she was integral in developing the music department for music appreciation, choral, studio music, and piano and organ instruction. Sister Joan influenced, encouraged and supported students to pursue their passions, whether in music, academia or vocations in religious life. She resided in Akron until 2010.
Sister Joan earned a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove College and a master’s in Music from the School of Music at the University of Michigan.
She is survived by sister Sherrie Miller, sister-in-law Mary Lou Monsour, niece Joan Richmann, nephew David Monsour and IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by brother Donald and sister Beverly Werner.
Read Sister Joan’s Remembering.