2008 Jubilarians

Joanne Marie Zavadsky, SSND
Professed in 1958

Sister Joanne Marie Zavadsky celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher and nurse.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
I was blessed by being allowed to study for my nursing career. It was the fourth transfer I was asked to accept. I had been a middle grade teacher when I was asked to teach science in the upper grades at St. Patrick’s in Menasha… with the understanding that if I accepted, I could study for nursing after that year. I accepted. It was the happiest year of my teaching! And I was released to study nursing (LPN).

I received a grant to study for registered nurse and was told I needed to work at least a year before I could study further. Well, I said I would work but don’t ask me to write for any grants since I would be refusing this one. I was allowed to accept this grant to study for my RN at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. I felt truly tried and tested!

What drew you to the SSND Community?
I was taught by SSNDs at St. Boniface Grade School and also at Messmer High School. These were the sisters I grew to know, love and respect.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
Being a sister has fulfilled my deepest desire to give myself entirely to God and the service of His people. I enjoyed my contact with children during my nine years of teaching and I loved my contact with the elderly in my years of nursing.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
In years past the SSNDs were noted for their excellence in teaching. In our present time, our sisters have gone into many diversified fields. The spirit of our foundress is a part of all our endeavors.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
A vocation is truly God’s call. If in your heart you hear this call, I would encourage you to look into this and give it a try. You will know if it is right for you. God will see to that!

What is your current ministry?
I am newly retired and I am exploring the options of a volunteer ministry that fits my time, talent and energy. I trust that God is guiding my search.

Is there anything else that you like to share with people about your life?
It was very important for me to have the approval and blessing of my parents. My mother was very happy with my choice as she once had entertained that same desire. My father gave his approval too but added. “Nancy, remember our doors are always open to you should you decide to come home.” I think the love and support of my parents gave me confidence and security as I prepared to leave home and answer my call to religious life.

Sister’s missions:
Student, Mount Mary College, WI, 1958-1960
St Vincent de Paul, Milwaukee, WI, 1960
Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, WI, 1960-1961
St Nicholas, Milwaukee, WI, 1961-1963
St Mary, Neillsville, WI, 1963-1968
St Patrick, Menasha, WI, 1968-1969
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI, 1969-1970
Student, Sacred Heart School/Practical Nursing, WI, 1970-1971
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI, 1971-1972
Student, St. Francis Hospital, IL, 1972-1974
Notre Dame Health Care Center, Elm Grove, WI, 1974-1987
Care of Parents, Parental Home, West Allis, WI, 1987-1988
Maryhill Retirement Center, Milwaukee, WI, 1988-1995
Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, WI, 1995-2007
Volunteer, Repairers of the Breach, Milwaukee, WI, 2007-Present
Retired, SSND Residence, Milwaukee, WI, 2007-Present

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How to reach our Jubilarians: Please send cards and letters with the sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.

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