Joanne Mary was the oldest of six children born to Joseph and Anna (Buiting) Bonczek. The family moved to Elyria in 1940, and it was there that Joanne and her siblings (two brothers and three sisters) participated in church and school activities at St. Agnes Parish. Music was one of Joanne’s best subjects; she took singing lessons and was an enthusiastic member of the church choir and the Elyria Musical Art Society. As a student at Elyria Catholic High School, she joined the girls’ ensemble and earned a place in the senior a cappella choir. Work experience as a clerk in a local music store gave an added dimension to her passion for music.
On September 8, 1956, Joanne became a postulant; as a novice, she received the name Sister Mary Ann José. A bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland prepared her for teaching junior high students at St. Gregory the Great School in South Euclid; St. Mary, Elyria; SS Cyril & Methodius, Lakewood; and St. Francis of Assisi, Gates Mills, all in Ohio.
In 1968 at St. Michael School, Cleveland, Sister Mary Joanne taught grade 8 and directed the high school choir. The following year she was appointed principal of the elementary school in addition to classroom teaching. Her commitment to Catholic education led to many initiatives over the next seven years—she directed the renovation of the school, secured auxiliary services, established a school library and gym program, and began popular Monday mini-courses to broaden and enrich student learning. During this time, she obtained a master’s degree from John Carroll University.
The parish also benefitted: the pastor called her a “tireless dynamo of ambition” as she helped form the first parish pastoral team. She directed a music group for the contemporary Family Mass, often serving as cantor. Upon hearing of her new assignment as Diocesan Elementary School Coordinator for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, the pastor at St. Michael’s thanked her “for her example of life lived in the fullness of God’s power.”
After six years as School Coordinator, Sister served as principal at St. John School, Warrenton, Virginia, and Our Lady of Lourdes School in Dunedin, Florida. On weekends, she traveled near and far, giving workshops for the Christ Our Life Religion series authored by the Sisters. Catechists and parents were inspired by her enthusiasm and creative energy.
From 1994-2000 she was local superior of the provincial center in Chardon. A new opportunity for ministry opened for her in Florida: for the next 17 years she ministered at Food for the Poor in Donor Relations and as Senior Development Advisor. This non-profit ecumenical Christian organization provides food, medicine, and shelter, among other services, to the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her compassionate heart and outgoing personality enabled her to reach thousands of people. Her visits to various countries showed practical results, as she informed and inspired donors.
For the past four years, Sister Mary Joanne shared community life at the provincial center, first as pastoral care assistant and then helping with Health Care activities. Her generosity and joyful spirit will be remembered.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1. A Welcoming Home Prayer Service will be at 1:30 followed by visitation from 2:00-4:15. Both will be live-streamed. Go to www.sndusa.org. Click on the Chardon Regional Center.