ter Joan ultimately settled in Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Kenai. She was involved in catechetical work with both adults and children and facilitated a Scripture study group and an outreach ministry to prisoners in a minimum-security facility. She said, "What I most enjoy about pastoral ministry is touching the lives of those who have a need to feel the loving presence of Jesus. If I can help to show in any way that presence, through sacrament or word, through action or just being there, I feel my mission here as a Medical Mission Sister is fulfilled." Cited as a role model of love, humility and dedicated service, Sister Joan received the St. Francis of Assisi Award from the Archdiocese of Anchorage in 2009. She also received the "A Person for Others Award" at the Marquette University Klingler College of Arts and Sciences Alumni National Awards ceremony on April 26, 2012 in Milwaukee. After 30 years of service in Kenai, Sister Joan returned to MMS headquarters in Philadelphia for a time of renewal. She then moved to Albany, New York to continue her ministry, working beside Sister Joyce once again. The two Sisters published a book in 2010 entitled Our Journey with the Real Church: Faith in the Last Frontier. Sister Joan was a volunteer pastoral worker at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany until her death. Sister Joan's Funeral Mass is Wednesday, February 1 at 10 a.m. at the Sisters' Chapel at 8400 Pine Road, Fox Chase. Gifts in her memory are appreciated by the Community.