Born on September 6, 1928, in Toledo, Ohio, Joan was the fourth child born to Frank and Stella (Geoffrion) Perkins. Her childhood was spent with three brothers and four sisters attending St. Louis School. Their mother died when Joan was only ten years old. Joan attended Notre Dame Academy as an aspirant graduating in 1946.
Sister vowed her life to God with the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1948. Soon after her profession she spent eight years teaching grades two and three in Catholic schools in Toledo. Then began over 50 years in community service at the Notre Dame Provincial House on Secor Road, Toledo; at Lial convent in Whitehouse; and at St. John, Delphos, in Ohio.
In 2015, Sister became a resident at the Ursuline Center in Toledo and then in 2021 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Whether in service or retirement Sister was an avid reader, who often clipped interesting articles to share. When visitors did not find Sister in her room, they knew her favorite spots were in the library and outdoors. Sister’s contagious chuckling and twinkling eyes let you know she was up to something. Her amusing stubborn streak could easily be coaxed with her favorite treats. For these treats and any small kindness Sister was quick to thank. In her prayer-filled retirement years Sister faithfully prayed the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on EWTN.
Sister is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings–brothers Francis and John, and sisters Theresa Lazette, Mary Schlachter, and Helen Chesney. Sister is survived by her sister Loretta Roehrich and brother Donald Perkins. She will be greatly missed by her relatives and her religious community.