A funeral Mass for Loretto Sister Mary Joyce Reasoner was celebrated Sept. 18 at the Church of the Seven Dolors on the grounds of Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, Ky. She died Sept. 14 at Loretto Motherhouse Infirmary.
Sister Mary Joyce was a teacher for 55 years, including 20 years at Mary Queen of Peace in Webster Groves. She was 86 and in her 69th year as a Sister of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross.
Sister Mary Joyce was born in Beloit, Wis., and baptized Joyce Carolyn Reasoner. She entered the Sisters of Loretto in 1949. She was received into the Sisters of Loretto in 1950, and made first vows in 1952 and final vows in 1955. She received a bachelor’s degree in education, with a minor in social studies, in 1960 from Webster College (now University) in Webster Groves.
Beginning in 1956, Sister Mary Joyce taught for 40 years in the St. Louis Archdiocese. She taught at Immaculate Conception, St. Michael (1956-58), St. Catherine (1958-65), St. Ferdinand (1965-66 and 1984-88), St. Paul the Apostle (1966-67), Ascension (1977-78) and Mary Queen of Peace, (1988-2008).
Sister Mary Joyce said “young children have always been a great delight to me. They are so open and eager to learn. Trying to bring Jesus to life in them, and fostering a love of His Church has always been my main goal in teaching. … When the children sense that you truly love them, they’ll work their socks off for you.”
Sister Mary Joyce also taught in Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Freeport, Texas; and Lebanon, Ky.
In retirement — first at Loretto Center in St. Louis and then at Loretto Motherhouse in 2011 — Sister Mary Joyce assisted with the driving needs of the community and bringing a sense of humor and treats to other residents. Her relationships with Mary Queen of Peace students continued with student visits to the center and sending of cards and samples of achievement.
Burial was at the Loretto Motherhouse Cemetery.
