Age 90
Sister Joan Nemann (the former Sister Mary Edwina) was a Sister of Mercy for 72 years. Sister Joan was born in Cincinnati and attended Mother of Mercy High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Edgecliff College, a Master of Science from Xavier University, and a Master of Arts from Fordham University.
Entering the Sisters of Mercy in 1949, Joan made her novitiate at Our Lady of Cincinnati College. After her novitiate, she taught music in several elementary schools and then, along with chemistry, at Mother of Mercy. After her time at Mother of Mercy, Sister Joan was appointed Director of Vocations. After several years in that role, she returned to Mother of Mercy to teach for a few more years and become principal. Then, back to the novitiate, where she became Director of Formation.
Over the years, she served as director of the Archdiocesan Office for Religious and later was elected vice-president of the Cincinnati Leadership Team—Regional Community of Cincinnati. She served as director of mission services at Mercy Clermont and Mercy Anderson hospitals.