Sister Joanne (Lisbeth) Simonini, BVM
Sister Joanne (Lisbeth) Simonini, BVM, 89, died Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.
Funeral services were Monday, May 3, 2021. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ray and Anita (Prosperi) Simonini. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary congregation on Sept. 8, 1951, from Holy Trinity Parish, Des Moines. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.
Sister Joanne was an elementary principal and teacher, director of religious education, and customer service representative in Des Moines. She also taught in Kansas City, Mo.; Pasadena, Calif.; and Burbank, Calif., where she also served as librarian.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Elizabeth (Leo) Sarcone. She is survived by a niece and niece’s husband, Susan Sarcone and Mitchell Schneider, Arlington, Va.; cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
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We knew sister Joanne through her sister Betty and Leo Sarcone. She always had a smile on her face and I remember her laugh was so contagious. She was very devoted to her family and to her BVM community.
Our prayers and condolences to her family.
Vern & Nancy Faber
SISTER JOANNE SIMONINI WROTE ME CARDS ON EVERY OCCASION IMAGINABLE.
“I WAS ON HER LIST,” SHE’D SAY.
SHE HAD MASTERED CONVERSATION SKILLS, SO PHONE CHATS WERE COMMON TOO.
I WILL MISS HER LIVELINESS. THANK YOU, JOANNE.
MARGARET becky molloy Nelle
Sister Joanne was a close friend to our dear Sister Mary Allen. She became my treasured friend over the years and was always a joy to talk to. She wrote beautiful letters and kept up on all that was happening with my family.
Her prayers that were sent my way always touched my heart. She will be missed and remembered forever.
May you rest in eternal peace with your beloved friend Mary and all that have gone before you.