(1935-2026)

Though Joan suffered a great deal in her life, she has been remembered by those who knew her best as one who cared for others and showed that care generously. She gave of herself with whatever she could do, whether it was driving someone to classes or getting something from the top shelf of a closet. … She could enjoy life and time with friends, giving them her beautiful smile.

Sister Carol Gross’s memorial Mass homily for Sister Joan Schroeder was a reflection on the unwavering, unconditional love of God for everyone and Sister Joan’s quest to know this God in her own life.

Born on July 5, 1935, in Chicago, Joan was the second child and only daughter of Clement and Genevieve (Coleman) Schroeder. Her four brothers were Richard, Lawrence, Edward, and Clement.

Her autobiography details a childhood that certainly had its challenges. Her father was a Chicago police officer who had a side job as a sheet metal worker, and so “for all purposes he was constantly out of the house either as a policeman or at his side job.” As for her mother, she had her hands full with caring for five children, four of them boys, essentially by herself.

Joan attended Queen of Angels School on Chicago’s north side, which was staffed by Adrian Dominican Sisters, and then St. Gregory High School. She was a good, hardworking student and a fine athlete, especially at baseball, and in her autobiography recalled her dad taking her to the store and letting her buy whatever she wanted – which she decided would be a beautiful black baseball bat. “He was so proud,” she said of her dad’s being able to buy the bat for her.

She graduated from St. Gregory in June 1953 and entered the Congregation later that month. When the new school year began a couple of months later, she was sent to St. Alphonsus School in Dearborn, Michigan, and spent the rest of her postulancy there. She was received as a novice that December and given the religious name Sister Francis Maureen.

Read more about Sister Joan (PDF)

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Recordings of Services

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Joan's Memorial Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Joan's Ritual of Remembrance - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as."

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