Sr. Joan Munns RSM.

Sister Joan Munns, RSM, 91, a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 71 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on April 29, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. to Thomas V. and Julia (Sciarra) Munns, she was 91 years old.  

On September 7, 1952, Hilda Joan Munns entered the Sisters of Mercy and received the name Sister Catherine McAuley.  She began her ministry as a mathematics teacher at Saint Elizabeth grade school, attending Mount Mercy College and earning a BA in English with a Minor in French and Education. Two years later, she began working toward earning a master’s in social work, with a specialty in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She became a Certified Social Worker. 1980, Joan earned a master’s in public health services administration from Pitt. During her 71 years as a Sister of Mercy, she devoted over 29 years to social work. 

   In 1965, Sister Joan began her career at Mercy Hospital as a Medical Social Worker, becoming the Assistant Director in the Department of Social Work until 1970. She was elected to the Congregational Administrative Council in 1970-74, first as a General Councilor and again in 1974-78 as the Director of Ministry. After completing her Public Health Services Administration degree, she returned to Mercy Hospital for three years, serving as the Assistant Executive Director until 1982. She was elected to the Administrative Council as a Vice President and served from 1982-1987. Again, Joan returned to Mercy Hospital as a Social Worker/Family Therapist in the Department of Social Work. She retired from UPMC Mercy in 2016. 

On the occasion of her 50th anniversary as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Joan reflected: “Being a woman religious has given me the opportunity to live a full life, a focused life wherein the contemplative desires of my heart are intertwined with the ministry of my thoughts and actions.” 

Preceded in death by her parents, brother John and sister Jean, Sister Joan is survived by her brother Thomas Munns and sister Joyce Munns, and nephew Justin Munns of Pittsburgh. A private funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m. and live-streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4269428 followed by interment in St. Xavier Cemetery, Latrobe. 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 Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 or to the Carlow University Scholarship Fund. 

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