Age 91
Sister Joan Munns lived a full focused life wherein the contemplative desires of her heart were intertwined with the ministry of her thoughts and actions.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she entered the Sisters of Mercy there at the age of 20. She attended Mount Mercy College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (now known as Carlow University), earning a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in French and education. She began her ministry as a mathematics teacher at St. Elizabeth grade school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Two years later, she earned a master’s degree in social work with a specialty in psychiatric social work from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1980, she earned a master’s degree in public health administration from the same school.
Sister Joan devoted over 29 years to social work at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, first as a medical social worker then as the assistant director in the Department of Social Work. She also ministered at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a family therapist. She retired from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2016.
She was elected to leadership in the former regional community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a total of 13 years, first as a general councilor then director of ministry, and vice-president.