Sr. Joan Marie Massura, OSB

Sr. Joan Marie Massura (formerly Wilma) 75, died peacefully at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, IN on July 9th. Sr. Joan Marie was born in Chicago, IL to Edward and Wilma (Kussy) Massura. She graduated from Slovak Girls Academy in Danville, PA. She received Bachelor’s Degrees in Chemistry and Math and a Masters in Pastoral Studies. She entered the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Danville, PA in 1955. She transferred to the Benedictine community at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, IN, in 1990. She began teaching in Pennsylvania where she taught in several schools and at Andrean High School in Indiana. Sr. Joan Marie was the Dir. of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Gary and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. She was the DRE at St. Barnabas Parish, Indianapolis and the Dir. of Retreats at LaSalle Manor in Plano, IL. She served her Benedictine community as Vocation Director and Director of Programming for the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center. Sr. Joan Marie was the first female member of the Beech Grove Lions Club and was a member of Czech and Slovak Society of Indiana.

Her parents, sister, Dorothy Lehocky and brother Edward Massura preceded her in death. She is survived by her Religious Community, her sister Joan Wickers, Romeoville, IL, brother Robert Massura (Beverly), Cedar Lake, IN, sister-in-law Carol Massura, Westmont, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Her viewing will take place in the monastery chapel on Friday, July 13th from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a wake service at 7:00 PM. Her funeral will be on Saturday, July 14th at 1:00 PM with viewing from 11:00 AM until the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sister’s Retirement Fund, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, IN 46107. www.littleandsons beechgrove.com