Grace was born to Wanda and Alex Golata on June 3, 1939, on the south side of Milwaukee. She had two brothers, one older and one younger. The family observed many Polish customs and even used some Polish expressions in their everyday speech. Grace attended St. Josaphat Church and Grade School for a few years, and then went to Saints Cyril and Methodius Grade School. She continued her education at Pulaski High School.

After high school, she worked for a few years in an office. When she was 22, she started thinking about becoming a sister and went to visit a Notre Dame convent. The sisters there said that if it took her so long to decide, there must be something wrong.

About this time, Grace’s father met one of our sisters on the bus and told her about his daughter. That is how Grace came to the School Sisters of St. Francis. She was received in 1960 and received the name Sister Joselle. Grace hoped to become a nurse, but because she had worked in an office, it was decided that she should teach business courses.

Her first teaching assignment was at our smallest high school, in Rubicon. She and another sister taught all the high school courses and even some grade school classes. In the high school, Grace taught mostly business and English classes.

Grace’s next assignment was at our largest high school, Pius XI, where she taught business courses and was chair of the department for 20 years.

But she continued to dream of working with the sick. Her dream started to come true when she was accepted into the CPE program at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1985, her preparation to become a hospital chaplain. This ministry fit her well and from 1986 to 1999, she worked at Waupun Memorial Hospital, often working nights. One of her major accomplishments was the forming and chairing of an Ethics committee.

Later, Grace continued her chaplaincy at Agnesian Health Care. After a sabbatical in 2002, Grace moved to Milwaukee and became Co-Director of Associate Relationship. All of Grace’s chaplaincy experiences helped her when she later volunteered at Sacred Heart and Maria Linden. In 2021, Grace moved to Our Lady of the Angels.

Now we wish Sister Grace eternal rest and peace.