Sister Joan Laboon RSM

Sister Joan Laboon, RSM (Sr. M. Joan of Arc, RSM), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 78 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on November 18, 2023. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she was 95 years old. Daughter of John Francis and Catherine Agnes (Reilly) Laboon, Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Bernard parish, Mount Lebanon, in 1945 and made final vows in 1951.  She loved the beauty of nature, and she had a quick wit until the end. As wise and faithful woman, Sister Joan consciously prepared for death. For weeks just prior to her death, she told her friends she was waiting for the Lord, longing to see the face of God. Sister Joan received a Bachelor’s degree in English with a Minor in Speech and History from Carlow University and an MA in English from Duquesne University.  She educated youth in the Pittsburgh Diocese at the schools associated with these parishes: St. Agnes, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Maurice, St. Paul Cathedral, and St. Peter in McKeesport as well as Immaculate Conception in Washington, Pa. She also educated the youth at St. Xavier Academy, St. Vincent School in Latrobe, and Greensburg Central Catholic High School in the Greensburg Diocese. Sister Joan served as Archdiocesan Schools Supervisor and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary and High Schools in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1971, Sister Joan returned to Pittsburgh to become the principal of Boyle High School.  In addition to education, Sister Joan served as an admissions counselor at Carlow University from 1982-1986.  Before her retirement, Sister Joan worked at Mercy Hospital managing volunteer services, as director of the Seven Sisters gift shop, and on special projects. In addition to her parents, Sister Joan is preceded in death by her siblings, Father John Laboon, SJ, Fr. Joseph Laboon, Thomas Laboon, Mary Jane Allen, Sister de Lellis Laboon, RSM, Katherine Laboon, Claire Maloy, and Sister Rosemary Laboon, RSM. On Tuesday, November 21, beginning at 10 a.m., a vigil service and visitation for family members will be held at the Convent of Mercy.  The Mass at 11 a.m. will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/3891108. Burial will follow immediately at St. Xavier Cemetery in Latrobe, PA. Arrangements entrusted to the EDWARD P. KANAI FUNERAL HOME, 500 Greenfield Avenue.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213, or the Carlow University Scholarship Fund.

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