SINSINAWA — Sister Joan O’Shea, OP, died Dec. 7, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Deirdre. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Dec. 15, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Joan made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1950, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1953. She taught for 10 years, served as principal for two years, and dedicated 16 years to Rosary College/ Dominican University, River Forest, IL, as assistant professor, dean of students, promoter of Mission Integration and faculty. Sister Joan ministered as a chaplain, director of chaplains, and in pastoral care for a total of 21 years and served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as provincial of the Eastern Province for four years. She served in New York, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Florida.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Joan served as principal and teacher at St. Joseph, Baraboo, 1960-1962.
Sister Joan was born May 25, 1930, in Chicago, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Tuohy) O’Shea. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Therese Duranso; nieces; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 70 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Joan are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.