We share news of the death of Sister Joan Ronning, CSC, who died at 4:39 a.m. on February 3, 2025, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana. Sister Joan entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross from Woodstock, Illinois, on August 1, 1952. Her initial profession of vows took place on August 15, 1955.

Please join us in prayer for Sister as we renew our faith in the resurrected Jesus and strengthen our hope that all the departed will be raised to eternal life.

Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Mass of the Resurrection, 10:30 a.m.
Church of Our Lady of Loretto
Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana

Joan Angeline Ronning was born on July 7, 1933, in Woodstock, Illinois. Her father, Alton Ronning, was a movie projectionist at the local theater, while her mother, Vivian (Colby), was a housewife. She had an older brother, Richard, who preceded her in death in 2002. Joan was gracious and courteous as a young girl, and was always considerate of the people around her. She was enrolled at Saint Mary’s Grade School and High School in Woodstock, where she was taught by Sisters of the Holy Cross. Joan’s teachers noted that she frequently expressed her desire of becoming a sister one day. Following her high school graduation in 1951, she worked as a clerk for a local drug store and was well liked by customers and coworkers due to her easy-going nature and willingness to help. She first displayed her natural ability for teaching by helping train new teenage employees.

At the age of 19, Joan decided to fulfill her desire of becoming a sister. She entered the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana, on August 1, 1952. Upon reception of the holy habit just over a year later, she received her religious name of Sister M. Vivian. The name was in honor of her mother, who died while Sister Vivian was in high school.

As Sister Vivian, she began teaching first grade at Holy Redeemer School in Flint, Michigan, in 1955. She taught in elementary schools for 11 years before graduating from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1966. Returning to her baptismal name after graduation, Sister Joan continued to teach in Indiana and Illinois before earning a master’s degree in elementary education from Saint Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1971. She taught a variety of subjects, including math, science, religion and English. She had a talent for persuading students to complete their schoolwork. Instead of making them complete their work, Sister Joan would easily convince them to at least try. Multiple students of hers would find her after they graduated to express their gratitude for how Sister Joan was able to persuade them to do their schoolwork.

Throughout Sister Joan’s teaching ministry, she was occasionally assigned to serve as a choir director for the school or church. She was able to combine her teaching ability with her fondness of music to become a passionate choir director. While teaching at South Side Catholic Community School from 1982 to 1992 in Peoria, Illinois, she not only directed the choir, but occasionally performed at weddings and funerals at Saint John’s Church. Just as Psalm 98:4 calls for joyful noise to the Lord with singing and praise, Sister Joan found deep fulfillment in leading the children's choir, using music to connect with God and express her faith.

One of Sister Joan’s greatest loves was her pets. She almost always had a dog living with her during her ministry, with all of them exclusively being miniature schnauzers. She had a particular affinity for the breed, and made scrapbooks showcasing her love for each one throughout their lives. Many pictures show Sister Joan hugging and playing with them, with a bright and affectionate smile on her face in every photo.

After 46 dedicated years of teaching, Sister Joan moved to South Bend, Indiana, to begin a parish ministry. From 2001 to 2009, she missioned at Holy Cross and Saint Stanislaus parishes, where she visited parishioners in retirement homes. During this time, she also utilized her crocheting and crafting talents to make items to sell at the annual boutique at Saint Mary’s, which was a means to raise funds for the Ministry for the Poor at the time. In 2009, she transitioned to the motherhouse at Saint Mary’s and began volunteering for the community. She selflessly accompanied sisters to their medical appointments, and was a co-manager for the boutique.

Sister M. Carlita (Hammes), CSC, described Sister Joan as a good friend who was always willing to give. She never hesitated to help someone in need, and was gracious and considerate to every person she met, regardless of who they were. She died several hours before the sun rose on February 3, 2025, at Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame. In the same way John 15:15 assures us that the fruit of true friendship with Christ endures, Sister Joan’s good works will continue to bless others for years to come.