Franciscan Sister Joan Tuberty, 92, died June 26, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 6 at St. Francis Convent.
Joan Marie was born Dec. 27, 1928, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to James H. and Beulah (Espey) Tuberty. She had two older brothers, James T. and Robert B. Sister Joan was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1948-1969, and a member of the Order of St. Clare, Bloomington, Minnesota, from 1977-1986. She transferred to the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in 1986 and made final vows April 8, 1989.
Sister Joan ministered as a nursing instructor, consultant and clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing. She taught at St. Catherine University and the University of Minnesota. Later she ministered as a counselor and spiritual director, and for 24 years was a teacher and guide of Centering Prayer at St. Olaf Church in Minneapolis. During this time she lived at Exodus House, a Catholic Charities transitional housing facility, where she provided counseling and support to the occupants. Her interest in Eastern Catholic traditions led her to write icons. In 2016, due to health issues, she moved to the convent in Little Falls.
Sister Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister-in-law Frances A. Tuberty. She is survived by sister-in-law Beverly Tuberty; nieces Virginia Ann (Bob) Holmes, Yvonne Pilot and Joan Tuberty; nephew Timothy (Patricia) Tuberty; as well as several great and great-great nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan Community.