Joan Williams

April 30, 1940 - Sept. 25, 2024

Sister Joan Williams, 84, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 65 years, died on Sept. 25, 2024. She entered religious life on Aug. 23, 1959, and took the name Sister John Kathleen when she received her habit; she later returned to her baptismal name.

Born on April 30, 1940, in Lead, S.D., Sister Joan was the eldest child of John “Jack” and Julie (née O’Connor) Williams. She grew up in Greybull, Wyo., and graduated from Greybull High School. 

Sister Joan earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary College. She spent 26 years teaching and as an administrator in elementary schools across California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. Following her school ministry, she was invited to serve in hospitals. She was an invaluable presence in the emergency room and the home health office at DePaul Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyo. She then spent the next 18 years serving on the pastoral team at United Memorial Hospital (now Cheyenne Regional Medical Center). 

Sister Joan retired from the hospital in 2010 but continued volunteering in Cheyenne. She often made birthday cakes and prepared meals for the residents of Holy Trinity Manor, which provided low-income housing for seniors. “We never had an activity without a treat or a meal when Sister Joan was around. From Bingo to birthday parties, she never let us be without wonderful food,” said her dear friend, Sister Ruth Ann Hehn, SCL. Her fellow SCL Community members enjoyed tasting the many dinners she provided for their house. She returned to the SCL Mother House in Leavenworth in 2015.

Sister Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julie Williams; brother, John; sister, Jean; and niece, Jamie Williams. Survivors include her sisters Judy (Bob) Rowan and Janet (Denny) Morgan; sister-in-law Shirley Williams; nieces and nephews including Michael Williams of Fairbury, Neb., and Janelle Catlin of Gillette; and the SCL Community.

There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Interment follows in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. Fourth St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.