Sister Joyce M. Keevan, CSJ Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Sister Joyce M. Keevan, CSJ Waterville-Sister Joyce, formerly known as Sr. Ann Patrick, died on February 16, 2023, at Mount Joseph, Waterville, Maine, after a long journey with dementia. She was 86 years old and in her 66th year as a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon. Joyce was born on May 16, 1936, in South Berwick, Maine, daughter of Leroy and Mary (Lawless) Keevan and the third of four siblings; Leroy, Thomas, and Ann. Ann also became a Sister of St. Joseph. Joyce attended St. Michael School and the Academy of St. Joseph, graduating in 1953. She earned a BS in Natural Sciences from St. Joseph College, Standish, Maine, and continued her education through programs of the National Science Foundation at Western Maryland College, MD, and Emory College, GA. She also pursued pastoral studies at Loyola University. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon in 1954 and made her First Vows on August 15, 1956. Over the years Joyce served in various leadership positions of the community: the Provincial Council; the Advisory Board of St. Joseph’s Child Care Center, and on the Sisters’ Board of Directors. Sr. Joyce was a teacher at heart and succeeded in making science come alive for her students at St. Rose of Lima School, Jay; St. Michael School and the Academy of St. Joseph, South Berwick; St. John the Baptist School, Winslow; and Marshwood High School, Eliot, where she spent the last 25 years of her teaching career. Sr. Joyce loved nature and the outdoors, the various pets that became part of her life, and the Red Socks. In her retirement she had her dog trained as a therapy pet and would visit local nursing homes bringing joy to residents and staff alike. She celebrated her Irish ancestry year-round. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings and is survived by the Sisters of St. Joseph, with whom she shared life and ministry, several faithful and loving friends, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to the staff of Mount Joseph for the love, kindness, and very patient care they gave to Sr. Joyce over the years, and to Beacon Hospice for their presence and support in her last week. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 24th, 10am at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Visitation will be at Notre Dame one hour prior to the Mass. A reception will follow at the Notre Dame Parish Hall. She will be buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for the missions of the sisters may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph and mailed to 80 Garland, Road, Winslow ME 04901.