Sister Joan Marie

June 25, 2023

Sister Joan Marie ND 4938 PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary John Raymond)

Joan Marie BUDA

Immaculate Conception Province, Chardon, USA

Date and Place of Birth:              August 20, 1935    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:    August 16, 1956    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:            June 25, 2023        Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Funeral:         June 30, 2023        Sisters of Notre Dame Center, Chardon
Date and Place of Burial:            June 30, 2023        Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon

“My life – a journey with and to the Father.”

Along with her four older siblings, Joan received treasured gifts from her parents, John and Mary (nee Galayda) Buda. Appreciation for their Slovak ancestry, love and respect for nature and all of creation, a strong faith and love for God’s presence in each of their unique lives. Joan enjoyed happy childhood days with her family and schoolmates. After graduating from Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School in Cleveland, she continued her education at St. Michael High School in Cleveland where she met the Sisters of Notre Dame. After her senior retreat, Joan was certain that God was calling her to enter religious life. She became a postulant on September 8, 1953. At investment she received the name Sister Mary John Raymond.

Sister Joan Marie earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at St. John College in Cleveland. For over forty years she taught intermediate and junior high school students in both rural and urban settings. Her matter-of-fact, practical manner made her an effective, strong teacher. She had a heart for her students and treated everyone with respect. Sister was inquisitive and eager to learn innovative methods of teaching and learning. She shared newly acquired technology skills as a computer teacher and her artistic talents as an art instructor.

For several years, with characteristic energy, devotion and love, Sister Joan Marie cared for her mother while maintaining a full teaching schedule. She was adaptable and always willing to enter wholeheartedly into whatever was before her, whether that be an experience of joy, sorrow, or the unknown.

When Sister Joan Marie moved to Chardon in 2002 she participated enthusiastically in ministries with her sisters in community. Sacristan, payroll manager for community schools, driver for sisters’ appointments, member of the crafts department – each service was accomplished with skill and competence. Sister embraced the ministry of prayer, presence and praise. The people, places and experiences she encountered on her journey were lifted up in gratitude. Her beloved family and her sisters in community were cherished gifts she held in prayer.

We give thanks for her life and the witness of her love and fidelity. May Sister Joan Marie rest in the presence of our good and loving God.