Mildred Catherine, one of 11 children, was born on a farm near Fancy Farm, Ky., to John Joseph and Allie Courtney Hayden on May 17, 1909. Her faith journey began on June 7 with baptism at St. Jerome Church, Fancy Farm. Mildred’s mother died when the child was only 11 years old, so early in life she learned responsibility. She had her daily chores to do. Mildred’s formal education began in 1916 at the public school Pelo in Hickman County for four years. The next years were at St. Denis Parochial when the Ursulines opened a school there. There she met Sister Basil, who was to serve as her model and inspiration. On completing her elementary education, she came to MSJ Academy for her high school years.
In September 1926, Mildred, along with 11 companions, entered the MSJ novitiate, and in March of the following year was invested with the Ursuline habit, and received the name Sister Joseph Mark. Two years later she professed her first vows.
In September 1929, Sister was assigned to St Rose Elementary School, Cloverport, Ky. During the next 46 years, Sister served in Ursuline‑staffed Kentucky schools in Knottsville, Hardinsburg, St. Joseph, Louisville, Owensboro, New Haven, Shively, Philpot, Earlington, Stanley, Mayfield, Bardwell, Holy Cross, Jeffersontown, Calhoun, Paducah (Rosary), St. Francis, Whitesville, Clementsville, and Central City, along with San Fidel in New Mexico.
In 1976, she returned to the Motherhouse, and underwent serious brain surgery. After recuperation, she returned to work at St Boniface Retirement Center, Louisville, where she helped with the literacy program for the Vietnamese immigrants and with Red Cross work, as well as visiting the hospital.
Because of ill health, Sister retired to the Motherhouse in 1986, where she spent her time reminiscing about her students and interesting past experiences, and in prayer while she waited for the Master’s call. She continued to be interested in events voicing her opinions when she could.
Her call home came on Friday, July 25, 2003, from a hospital bed in Owensboro Mercy Health System. An earthly life well lived move to the realm of the Ursuline communion of Saints. Sister Joseph Mark heard her God say, “You have found the good fight. Come now to your real home.”
The Wake service was held Sunday evening, July 27th. Sr. Diane Marie Payne was the leader and Sister Mary Irene Cecil was the reader. Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, Congregational Leader, spoke in remembrance. Others speaking were Sr. Philomena Cox, Mildred Ann Carrico (niece) and Sr. Vivian Bowles. Sr. Mary Eileen Howard was organist. The funeral Liturgy was Monday July 28, 2003, with Father Joe Mills as celebrant. Sister Joseph Mark was buried in the convent cemetery.