Sister Joan Hearns, OP, of Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York, died on May 30, 2011 in Siena Hall Infirmary, Sparkill, NY. Born in New York City, NY on January 11, 1925, Joan Marie was the daughter of Henry and May Guilfoyle Hearns. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1943 and became known as Sister Mary Henry, professing her first vows in 1945 and her final vows in 1950.
Sister Joan Hearns, OP, of Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York, died on May 30, 2011 in Siena Hall Infirmary, Sparkill, NY. Born in New York City, NY on January 11, 1925, Joan Marie was the daughter of Henry and May Guilfoyle Hearns. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1943 and became known as Sister Mary Henry, professing her first vows in 1945 and her final vows in 1950.
Sister earned a BA in Education from Fordham University, NY During her professional life, Sister Joan was a teacher at St. Joseph, Bronx, NY (1945-51) and (1966-69); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Richmond Hill, NY (1951-56); Sts. Peter and Paul, Easton, MD (1956-61); St. Madeleine Sophie, Schenectady, NY (1961-1966) also served here as principal; St. Paul, Congers, NY (1969-77). She worked as a staff member at St. Joseph Villa, Saugerties, NY from 1977-1982 and was librarian at St. Rose of Lima School in New York from 1982-2002. Upon her retirement Sr. Joan moved to Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY and in 2004 became a resident of Siena Hall. Sister Joan is survived by her brother Arthur Hearns of PA; her sister-in-laws Marianne Hearns of PA and Joan Hearns of FL; her nephews Arthur Hearns, Jr. (Marybeth) of NY; Henry Hearns, Jr. (Sandra) of FL; Michael Hearns (Tyra) of FL; James Kennedy (Shari) of CA; and her nieces Linda Diver (Michael) of PA; Clare Oliva (Thomas) of NJ; Laura Beers (Alfred) of PA; Meghan Burrows (Don) of CA. Sister Joan is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews.
Sister Joan was a dedicated teacher and principal committed to those whom she met each day. She touched many lives by the lessons she taught and had a positive impact on so many. We have been blessed with Sister Joan’s life among us. She struggled with many physical challenges yet never complained and was accepting of God’s will in her life. May she rest in the loving arms of the God she served so well.