Age 89
Sister Joan Marie Messier’s unwavering commitment to her faith and her tireless dedication as a Catholic school teacher and administrator touched the lives of countless people.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Sister Joan discovered her passion for service at a young age. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mount Saint Mary College in Hooksett, New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in education from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire.
For 23 years, she taught elementary school and high school in the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire.
For more than 25 years, Sister Joan served as principal at St. Christopher School in Nashua. She was instrumental in building a library and computer room. When she retired in 2005, an inscribed granite bench was installed in front of the school in her honor.
After retirement, Sister Joan served in parish ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Manchester, New Hampshire. She particularly enjoyed community outreach to the elderly. She also loved horses and regarded them as gentle companions.