Sister Joan Mary Gluth, SSND
Dec. 26, 1935 – Dec. 1, 2020
On the day after Christmas, 1935, Joan Mary was born to James and Josephine Kelly Gluth in Trenton, N.J. Joan’s parents were happy and proud to welcome their fourth child to the Gluth family. She was baptized on January 12, 1936 at St. Anthony’s Church in Trenton.
Joan “followed her sister and brothers’ footsteps” as she began her education at St. Anthony’s School. She received her first Holy Communion as a second grader. Joan felt “it was then that the seeds of my vocation were planted.” Joan was confirmed by Rt. Rev. William A. Griffin, Bishop of Trenton, while she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from the eighth grade in 1949 and then attended Cathedral High School, where she was taught by Mercy Sisters. Joan said, “The desire to be a nun remained throughout my high school days.”
In September 1953, Joan began her education at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now Notre Dame of Maryland University), where she first met the School Sisters of Notre Dame. While working as a laboratory assistant for the New Jersey State Department of Health during the summer, Joan met many “lax and fallen-away” Catholics. She was “disturbed by the twisted views these people had of their faith” and she wished “to give to children some of the wonderful training that I had received.” During her senior year, Joan decided to enter the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
Joan came to the candidature on September 7, 1957, receiving the veil at the College Chapel. She spent the year as both student at the College and teacher (Institute of Notre Dame). Sister Joan Mary entered the novitiate on July 12, 1958 and professed her first vows on July 25, 1959. As a newly professed sister, Joan was a student at Mt. Mary College (now University), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, studying Home Economics.
In 1960, Joan began her teaching ministry at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore. She would later return and complete a 20-year career at the Prep School. In between, Joan taught at Madonna Academy, W. Hollywood, Fla.; Archbishop Keough High School, Baltimore; and St. Cecilia Academy, Washington, D.C. Joan was also the local leader at Villa Assumpta (2004-2007). After a sabbatical, she returned to the Villa as a driver and companion for the Sisters in Maria Health Care Center. Sister Joan retired to prayer and presence in 2014.
“Though the seeds of my vocation were planted early,” Joan said, “I feel that it was God’s will that directed me to the School Sisters of Notre Dame,” she said in her autobiography. Joan peacefully and joyfully prepared for and lived her religious life. Gifted with great intelligence, she presented herself with simplicity and love. Sister Joan was a gentlewoman, friendly and caring. She will be remembered for her thoughtful ways and quiet smile.
Joan was a 1957 graduate of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (now University), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. Joan earned a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. in 1972.
Sister Joan Mary died at Maria Health Care Center, Villa Assumpta on the afternoon of Nov. 27, 2020. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated honoring the life of Sister Joan at a later date. Burial took place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 at Villa Maria Cemetery, Glen Arm Road, Glen Arm, Md. Sister Joan is survived by her niece, Anne Marie Smarra of Absecon, N.J.
