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| Sister Joan' (Bonita) Kupfert O.S.B. | |
| May 28, 1921 - January 13, 2012 | |
| Rock Island, Illinois | |
| Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 17, 2012 at St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Ave. W., Rock Island, Ill. | |
| Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 18, 2012 at St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Ave. W., Rock Island, Ill. | |
| Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 17, 2012 at St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Ave. W., Rock Island, Ill. | |
| Interment: Wednesday January 18, 2012 at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill. | |
| Sister Joan’ (Bonita) Kupfert O.S.B., 90, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Monastery. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the chapel of St. Mary Monastery. Burial is at the Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 Tuesday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan is assisting with arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Monastery. Bonita Kupfert was born on May 28, 1921 in Peoria, a daughter of Frank and Kathryn Roth Kupfert. She attended St. Boniface School, Peoria, Academy of Our Lady, Peoria, and received a Bachelor’s degree in education from Quincy College, Quincy, Ill. She received a Master’s degree in secondary administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., and guidance and counseling certification from Xavier College, Chicago. Sister Joan’ entered the Benedictine community on December 8, 1941. She made her first profession as a Benedictine Sister on August 21, 1944. Her ministry included teaching elementary grades 4-8; high school religion, P.E. and business education, as well as dorm prefect at St. Mary’s Academy, Nauvoo. She served as secretary to the Prioress and as secretary and registrar at St. Mary’s Academy, where she also was Principal from 1962 to 1969. She taught business education and was a guidance counselor both at Bergan High School, Peoria and Alleman High School, Rock Island. Sister Joan’ had also served as Subprioress at St. Mary Monastery, Nauvoo. She is survived by her Benedictine Sisters, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; and her sister. Online condolences may be left at www.wheelanpressly.com. | |
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Sister Joan accepted me as a sophomore student at St. Mary's in Nauvoo, IL in 1963. It has forever changed my life and I don't know that I ever specifically told her that. She probably knew. Now she's Home and her life is totally changed. It's time to celebrate!
-- Barbara Blough
I loved Sr. Joan. Her enthusiasm at each day's general assembly always included "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.....Alleluja!" I have that written on a plaque in her honor in my home to this day. Thank you to her and her love while I was in High School at St. Mary's.
-- Leonora Holmes
Benedictine Sisters & Community "Today Sr. Joan flys with the angels to her Heaven Father but will be forever in our hearts." "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy...ALLELUIA!" I will never forget Sr. Joan or St. Mary's Academy for they made me the person I am today. I'm very thankful and blessed for all the Benedictines teachings plus all the wonderful friends I have made thru the years. Sr. Joan's family, Benedictine Sisters & Community are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless....
Sincerely,
Diana Gordon Clow
SMA Class of 1968
-- Diana Gordon Clow
Sister Joan is in Heaven with God and all her family. When I came to St. Mary's, it was She that told me the Academy would change my life and enlarge my family. Sr. Joan was right and I am forever thankful for all my wonderful friends (family) and the teachings of the Benedictine Sisters. I will never forget Sr. Joan and she will always remain in my prayers. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it...Alleluja!"
Michelle DePatie Kirwan Class of 1968
-- Michelle DePatie Kirwan
Very sorrow to hear of the passing of Sister Joan'
Sister was my principal at St. Mary's Academy in 1967 & 1968. I remember her fondly. I hope she is at peace in heaven.
-- Cindy (Maletich) Black
I imagine January 13th was the day her heart proclaimed "This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice & be glad! Alleluja!!" I offer my condolences to Sr. Joan's nieces and nephews and her Benedectine family. I have fond memories of her at St. Mary's and enjoyed visits at reunions and in Nauvoo over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Comiano Kubik (Class of 1968)
-- Connie Comiano Kubik
Sister Joan's first year as principal at SMA was my first year at the Academy. She was so very wise and caring...when I received my first letter from home, I think I cried thru an entire box of kleenex in her office...but her wise counsel helped me and I have always been so grateful for those years at St. Mary's...God bless Sr. Joan and all those wonderful women who taught and guided us back in the 1960s. So very glad we got to visit with Sr. Joan at our reunion almost 5 yrs ago.
-- Paulette Hansen Fisher SMA Class of '65
I'm smiling through tears at the number of messages that all recall her famous quote: "This is the day the Lord has made...". Surely this IS the day she was made for, and I hope she knows now the number of lives she touched as our principal, teacher and friend. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
Cathy Hines Warren, Class of '65
-- Cathy Hines Warren
May her soul rest in God's peace. Mary Kay,Barbara,Peggy, and Gerri Mullen sure loved her dearly along with many,many others.What a gift she was.
Sr.Joan,I'm a Secular Order Discalced Carmelite,partly due to your fine example. God be with all of the Sisters.
-- Gerri (Mullen) Hillis
Bet Mary Kay and Connie were waiting to greet Sr. Joan when she came through those heavenly gates. Love to the Sisters.
-- Mary Margaret O'Connor '63
My aunt was the greatest lady besides my mother whom I have had the pleasure of knowing. Her love for life and all of us lives within me daily. As I look forward to meeting up with her after my life is complete, I will continue to spread the joy and peace that she taught all of us to carry. I have never met a happier person who genuinely cared for others in her life. What a pleasure to have learned from her and called her my aunt.
-- James B Kupfert
Thank you, Sister Joan, for you time and patience. Forgive me for not saying thank you sooner.
-- Theresa (Blough) Strazzella
To all of Sister Joan's family & her fellow sisters, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
-- Marge Ksycki Maroon
