Age 95
A wise and faithful woman, Sister Joan Laboon consciously prepared for the Lord, longing to see the face of God. On a lighter side, she loved the beauty of nature and had a quick wit until the end.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she entered the Sisters of Mercy there at the age of 17. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, and a master’s degree in English from Duquesne University, also in Pittsburgh.
Her long educational career included teaching youth in the Pittsburgh diocese, as well as at Catholic schools in Latrobe and Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Sister Joan served as Archdiocesan schools supervisor and assistant superintendent of elementary and high schools in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for four years. For 11 years, she ministered as principal/assistant principal at Bishop Boyle High School in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
In addition to education, Sister Joan served as an admissions counselor at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for four years. Before her retirement, she worked at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh managing volunteer services, directing the Seven Sisters gift shop, and working on special projects.