Maple Mount — Sister Joan Walz, 86, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died July 5, 2017, in Owensboro, Ky., in her 67th year of religious life. She was a native of Hawesville, Ky. Her former religious name was Sister Joan of Arc.
Sister Joan was a compassionate, hard-working and selfless person. She always knew when someone needed her to listen or to share her wonderful sense of humor.
She was a teacher at St. Paul School, Leitchfield, Ky., (1952-53), St. Benedict School, Wax, Ky., (1953-55), St. Mary School in Nebraska City, Neb., (1955-57), Mount Saint Joseph Academy (1965-69) and Trinity High School, Whitesville, Ky., (1969-73). She was principal of St. Joseph School in Paul, Neb., (1957-61), Immaculate Conception High School in Earlington, Ky., (1961-62) and St. Joseph High School, Mayfield, Ky., (1962-65). She was director of retirement at Maple Mount from 1973-88, and served on the community’s Leadership Council from 1980-88, the last four years as assistant superior. She worked as a nurse at Baptist East Hospital, Louisville (1991-93) and at Maple Mount (1993-99). She ministered in outreach at Sacred Heart Parish, Hickman, Ky. (1999-2004), and as an apostolic minister and outreach minister at St. Mary of the Woods Parish, McQuady, Ky., and St. Anthony Parish, Axtel, Ky. (2004-2016). She retired to the Motherhouse in 2016 and was devoted to prayer.
Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Jackson of Owensboro, and a brother, George (Nancy) Walz, of Harned, Ky.; nieces and nephews and the members of her religious community.
The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, at Mount Saint Joseph, where visitation will begin Sunday at 4 p.m., with a wake service following at 6:30 p.m.
Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, Owensboro, is handling arrangements.
Gifts in memory of Sister Joan may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.
Comments
Sister was the only adult I could confide in when I was 16. Never judgemental, admitting that she didn’t always have answers to all my questions. She understood my heart, and I know she felt my pain. She pointed me toward Jesus in her wisdom and love for me. I know now what a challenge I was because of my terrible homelife, the brutality of the Vietnam war, and so many things I was angry about. I know I was spiteful and ugly many times. Sister, you showed me your strength, and yes, your beauty and dignity. You knew I loved you and know I’ll see you sgain
Our condolences to you on Sister Joan’s sudden death. you are in the prayers of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
I had Sister Joan for my history classes while at the Mount. She was passionate about her subject. She will be missed.
SISTER JOAN FAMILY :SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.AS A FRIEND OF GEORGE AND NANCY WALZ AND FAMILY.
I am deeply saddened for the MSJ Ursulines at her unexpected passing. What a kind and generous woman she was, and is. What an example of simplicity and hospitality she was for many!
The angels are singing welcome songs of joy. Sister joan was an amazing witness of God’s love. I am thankful to have known Sister Joan, she had a contagious smile and faith that did not waiver. I am blessed to have known her. RIP
July 9th. I am stunned.Sister Joan was my high school classmates as well as novitiate compatatriot. A wonderful friend.I always called her “Peg O’ My Heart” After the song which I’d serenade her with a horrible rendition of same.She was sweet, kind,thoughtful,humble,generous sneaky funny, faithful, prayerful and so much more…. The tears come easy. I can’t believe I won’t see you again. ….Happy Bliss dear Peg and pray for me!
My Deepest Sympathy to all the Sisters, to Dorothy Jackson & family, George & Nancy Walz & Family, Neices & Nephews, & Cousins in Nebr.
I am on the website at time of Service viewings Sister Joan’s Obituary, & joining All in Prayer & Spirit.
Sister Joan of Arc was one of my favorite teachers and made dorm life for us boarders much more “bearable” with her kindness and patience towards all of us girls when I attended from 1965-’67. I had the privilege of having her come to visit one of our mission schools in New Mexico years later when she was in a leadership position and when my own children were attending St. Joseph School in San Fidel, NM. I am saddened to hear of her passing. I shall miss seeing her in MSJ event pictures. May she rest in peace.