Sister Joan Beairsto, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, in Dominican Convent Siena Hall on February 17, 2026. She was 92 years old. Born in Middletown, NY, on April 27, 1933, Joan Marie was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Neville Beairsto. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 7, 1952, and received the name Sister Joseph Mary. She professed her first vows in 1954 and her final vows in 1959.
Sister Joan received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, in 1958; an MS in Reading from Hunter College, NY, in 1966; and an EdD in Reading and Language from Boston University, Boston, MA, in 1974.
Sister Joan’s ministry of education included St. Theresa School, Bronx, NY (1954-1955); St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1955-1958); St. Catherine School, Binghamton, NY (1958-1964); St. Catherine of Siena School, NYC (1964-1965); St. Rose of Lima School, NYC (1965-1967); Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Middletown, NY (1967-1968); St. Paul School, Valley Cottage, NY (1968-1972); St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY (1968-1972); Boston University Teaching Fellowship (1972-1974); Brooklyn College, adjunct professor (1974-1975); and St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill (1968-1972, 1975-2015) as professor, administrator, and Coordinator of the MST Program. Sister Joan was a beloved member of the STAC Community for over 40 years.
Sister Joan was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary Neville Beairsto, and her siblings: Patricia, Virginia, Elizabeth, Joseph, Alfred, John, David, James, Thomas, Robert, and Sister Carol Beairsto, RGS. She is survived by her brother James and her beloved nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, as well as the Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sister Joan Beairsto had a profound impact on the lives of countless young people throughout her educational ministry, serving as both an elementary school teacher and a college professor. She embodied the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill by proclaiming the word of God and advocating for justice and reverence for creation, guided by the four pillars of Dominican Life and Mission: Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Joan Beairsto. May you rest in peace!
Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wake: 9:30 am; Prayer Service 10:00 am; Mass at 11:00 am
Wake Service: Click here for livestream link.
Funeral Service: Click here for livestream link.