Beloved educator Sister Joan Markey, SSMN dies at 89
Edward Markey, of North Richland Hills, visits with Sr. Joan Markey as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of her vows to consecrated life with the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur, at Our Lady of Victory Center, Thursday August 15, 2024. (NTC/Rodger Mallison)
The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail
And you are waited for…
To your own self be true-
And it must follow as the night, the day**
You cannot be false to any man…
— Sr. Joan Markey, SSMN
Sister Joan Markey shared those words of wisdom while delivering the commencement address to the Class of 1975 at Nolan Catholic High School. It’s no surprise the longtime educator was chosen to give the final inspiring message to graduating seniors.
“She was an essential figure for our class,” said Jim Franko, remembering his classmates’ affection for the English and religion teacher. “She was warm, gracious and had a magical appeal for anyone walking into her classroom.”
A dedicated member of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur for 71 years, Sr. Joan passed away peacefully on September 11 at the OLV Center surrounded by her religious community. She recently celebrated her 89th birthday.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the OLV Center, 909 Shaw St. in Fort Worth.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18 in St. Andrew Church, 3312 Dryden Road, Fort Worth with interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Daughter of the late James and Patricia Moore Markey, Sr., Joan grew up in Wichita Falls where she attended the SSMN-operated Academy of Mary Immaculate.
Drawn to the charism of the sisters who taught her, the avid reader joined the convent after graduation in 1954.
Deciding to become a teacher like her mentors, Sr. Joan wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. She went on to earn undergraduate and advanced degrees in English from the University of Dallas and Rice University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas.
Her various assignments include teaching at Nolan Catholic High School, the University of St. Thomas, and the University of Tulsa.
From 1996 to 2002, the accomplished administrator served as provincial for her community.
“Sr. Joan was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” wrote former student Jean Drollinger Stevens in a post honoring her Nolan teacher. “Her love of reading and learning was contagious. She made classes fun.”
Nolan alumna Diane Mills served with Sr. Joan on the school board for Nolan as well as Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. She remembers her former teacher as a prolific note writer with beautiful penmanship and an exceptional memory.
“I’ve always known her because I was always so involved with the sisters,” said the Nolan 1980 graduate. “She was vibrant, funny, and always asked about your family.”
Her mother-in-law, Pat Rejcek, who volunteered at the OLV Center for several years, became close friends with Sr. Joan.
“They would visit when she was there and began sending cards and notes to each other,” Mills explained. “They shared a pen pal relationship besides being friends and that was just beautiful.”
Rejcek received a final thank you note after Sr. Joan’s recent August 31 birthday.
“It’s something my mother-in-law said she will always treasure,” Mills added.
Sister Rosemary Stanton, SSMN, described the skilled correspondent as having a gift for words.
“She always seemed to know the right thing to say at the right time,” Sr. Rosemary observed. “She could recite any piece of poetry or literature you wanted.”
A smiling, welcoming presence to anyone entering the OLV Center, Sr. Joan often heard from former students. Members of Nolan’s 1975 graduating class were frequent visitors.
When the group of alumni began planning a 50th class reunion earlier this year, inviting Sr. Joan to the event was a priority. Organizers made sure their guest had the extra help needed to attend.
“She was in failing health, and it really took a lot of strength for her to come,” Franko said recalling the excitement everyone felt to see their favorite English teacher.
“It was the highlight of our reunion to have her there. It meant so much to so many people.”
Sr. Joan is survived by her brothers, Jim and Edward Markey, nieces, nephews, numerous friends and fellow SSMN sisters. Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, 909 W. Shaw St. Fort Worth, Texas 76110.
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