In Memoriam


Sister Joyce Banks, OP

(1931 - 2016)

Sister Joyce Banks was born on March 22, 1930, in Chicago, to John and Agnes (Joyce) Banks. Her father was born in McDonald, Pennsylvania, and worked as a salesman. Her mother, a teacher, was born in Chicago. They were married in Visitation Parish in Chicago in 1922. Joyce and her younger sister Jean were their only children.  

After attending St. Columbanus Grade School and Aquinas High School, Joyce said, “It is quite natural that I should choose to be a Dominican since I have been taught by them for twelve years.” She went on to say that she had been thinking about religious life for some time.

Read more about Sister Joyce (pdf)

make a memorial giftMemorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. 

Click on the "Read More" link below to leave comments and remembrances.

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Avatar  Ann Cogan 7 years agoReply

Sister Cherubim? Thank you. Because of you I sing at the drop of a hat. I sing the alto line when people least expect it. I sang with the Las Robles Chorale. I walk kids through musical performances in 1st grade. I already loved music when I got to your class. You gave me confidence.
Go with God.
Love,
Ann Cogan, Aquinas class of '70

Avatar  Kristen Ostendorf 8 years agoReply

Rest in Peace, Sister Joyce! You led so many of us to find our voices and ourselves in your music room. You taught us to be nothing less than our best - in singing and in life - and we were changed for good.

Avatar  Ellen FR 8 years agoReply

Thank you so much for the service information. There are thousands from Sister Joyce's various schools sharing memories of the first-class musical and behavioral instruction we received and the vast impact it has had on our lives. She will never be forgotten!

Avatar  Mary Joyce Griffin 8 years agoReply

Auntie Joyce as my 6 brothers and sisters always called her was always our favorite aunt...she celebrated countless occasions with our family in Memphis always making for a joyous occasion when her and Sister Helen came to visit...she had a huge impact on us all; always so generous especially with her time to talk with us one by one about whatever was going on in our lives, always supportive and asking the right questions, giving us plain speak practical advice...
As a woman her spirit and independence was always an inspiration and it was an honor to celebrate with her
On her 50th anniversary of commitment to our Lord and speak with so many of the students and young adults she inspired and served as a role model to...her selfless acts will be remembered fondly, her vivacious wit and raucous laughter will always bring a smile in remembrance...she touched thousands of young people in a wonderful way and she will be sorely missed! Play on Sister Joyce...I see her striking up the band with the angels in the sky...May she rest in peace now with our Lord. Amen.

Avatar  Bryan Griffin 8 years agoReply

Oh how my heart weeps at the loss of my sweet Aunt Joyce. The greatest soul I have ever been blessed to know. You've kept this rascal close to your heart and in doing so led me closer to God. I am sad at my loss, but joyous that you now dance with Christ and all the angels and friends that await you in heaven. Always in my heart and never forgotten. The youngest, BPG.

Avatar  Lisa Griffin 8 years agoReply

So many memories of our precious Auntie Joyce. Aunt Joyce and "Aunt Sister Helen" both came to my dissertation defense at Northwestern University in Evanston. Joyce had gotten all the Adrian sisters in Chicago to pray for me at the time my defense started. The ones who had a class stopped their class and asked all their students to pray for me. I passed, how could I not with all those prayers! We will always treasure our almost yearly visits to Joyce and Helen. The kids recounting their trips to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Lego store and American Girl Doll. Her frequent phone calls last October and November when we were at St. Jude's hospital. The music.

Avatar  Jean Bisio 8 years agoReply

My Aunt was a wonderful lady. She was always ready with words of encouragement throughout my life's journeys. She had a great sense of humor especially when she babysat all or some of my 6 brothers and sisters. She will be sadly missed but we know she is now where her whole life work lead her; with our Lord. We love you Aunt Joyce!
Tony, Jean, Ryan, Britney and April Bisio

Avatar  David Hotek 8 years agoReply

Sr. Joyce was a wonderful teacher, friend, and mentor to many. Her years at Immaculate Heart of Mary/St. Joseph High Schools in Westchester are a tribute to the many lives that she touched through music. Rest in peace, Joyce, you have earned this eternal rest.



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