April 4, 1936 — January 31, 2025
Sister Mary Joanita, the former Gertrude Ziemba (Trudy), was born to Joseph Ziemba and Wladyslawa Roszkowska on April 4, 1936, in Reading, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of 4 children: Jean, Helen, and Joseph. She entered the Felician Sisters in Lodi, New Jersey, on September 8, 1955, and was accepted into the Postulancy on October 7, 1955.
She eagerly awaited her investiture on August 14, 1956, receiving the name Sister Mary Joanita. On August 15, 1957, she made her first profession of vows in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Lodi, New Jersey, and on August 15, 1963, she professed her solemn final profession.
Sister Joanita received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, and then a Master of Arts in Administration from Seton Hall University.
She taught in many schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, spanning kindergarten to eighth grade. Her teaching talents were shared in other areas outside the archdiocese: schools staffed by the Felician Sisters in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Her expertise led her to be a principal in several New Jersey and Maryland schools. Of special note would be her time at Saint Anne School in Jersey City, where she established a bowling league for the children on Saturdays. Parents were pleased with this endeavor.
Sister Joanita was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 1990. A former student nominated her for making a difference in her life.
Sister Joanita also ministered at the Immaculate Conception Home, caring for the boys who lived there. She later was missioned in Our Lady of Grace Home for Children in Newark, Delaware where she also cared for the children.
In 2002, Sister came to Immaculate Conception Convent, Lodi, as the convent plant manager. This was followed by her assuming the housekeeping supervisor position from 2011 to 2019. She considered herself blessed in this position, working with the dedicated employees.
In 2015, as she celebrated her 60th Jubilee as a Felician Sister, she wrote: “A jubilee in religious life is an opportunity to thank God for his many blessings. My heart especially remembers my religious community and my family, who gave me support when my mother died only one month after I received my veil. I also thank God for the wisdom, courage, and strength He bestowed upon me that I might minister to youth and prepare them for the future.”
In 2019, Sister Joanita accepted assigned duties at Immaculate Conception Convent. From 2020 to 2025, she assumed her final ministry of prayer and presence, offering her increasing diminishment to her suffering Savior.
In the early evening hours of Friday, January 31, 2025, Sister Joanita went to her eternal home to be with her Lord.
Sister Joanita has been a part of my wonderful memories during my elementary school education at Holy Rosary School, in Baltimore, Maryland. I’ve thought about her often over the years. I last saw her in 1976. Be at peace with our Lord Sister.