“I was blessed with a happy, carefree childhood. My mother gifted me with her positive spirit and the ability to cope with life and its challenges. Her prayer, and mine, has been, ‘Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.’

“My formation years in religious life gave have given me a firm faith which now empowers me to live with confidence. I have a strong urge and desire to avoid complacency in my life and to keep aspiring to that which is fulfilling, not only for myself, but particularly for all with whom I minister. Over the years, friends and colleagues in my ministry have affirmed and challenged me and have helped me to become who I am.

“My two aunts, Sisters Clarissa and Carol, motivated me to become a teacher. I taught for 42 years, the first 14 as an elementary teacher and the next 28 as a principal. In the last six years, while I was still principal, I became a student at St. Francis Seminary.

“My goals as a School Sister of St. Francis, and a person of faith, are to continually be open to the changes which are constantly taking place in our Church and society today. I have an awareness of the rich tradition of our faith, and hope for the future.  My goals are to continue to learn, to respond to the needs of the gospel and to be open to the Spirit within me to be the person God created me to be, and to pursue and sort out possibilities for ministry.  

“My six years at St. Francis Seminary opened doors to knowledge which I realize can continue for the remainder of my life.  I face the future with zest and joy in each new day. My experience at the seminary gave me vision and insights which I take with me on my continuing journey toward the fulness of life.           

“My greatest present need is to be gentle with myself and to be more patient as God unfolds my life through unconditional love. When I entered the convent in 1949, I certainly was blinded to the era in which I live today. Experience has taught me wisdom and I look forward to the future. ‘Behind every challenge there is a blessing waiting to happen.’

“My brother has always said to me, ‘Join the convent and see the world!’ And I did! I love to travel, and God, through people, has enabled me to accomplish this. In the past, I co-led pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land, Poland and Prague, Southern Italy, Assisi, Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland.”

And your final journey, Josie, is to your eternal reward. Rest in peace, faithful servant of God.