Dominican Sister of Peace Joan Miriam Glaser, OP, (98), a native of Spalding, NE, died on April 28, 2025, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, KY. 
 
Sr. Joan was born to Mary E. Langer and Albert A. Glaser. She entered the congregation in 1948 and spent the next 76 years serving God’s people. 
 
Sister Joan dedicated her life to service in healthcare, education, and parish ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from St. Louis University, MO.  
 
Her early ministry included teaching in Nebraska before transitioning into healthcare leadership. She served as a medical supervisor and assistant administrator in Nebraska and later held administrative roles in Kentucky. 

Her commitment to quality care continued through her work in Illinois, and later as a hospice nurse and chaplain in Nebraska. She also served in public health and as Assistant Western Regional Coordinator for the former Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine in Kentucky. 

Sister Joan’s ministry extended into parish life, where she served as a visiting nurse in Nebraska. In 2007, she moved to the Motherhouse in Kentucky, offering community service. In 2017, Sister Joan began her final ministry of prayer and presence at Sansbury Care Center. 

In her preaching at the funeral, Sr. Theresa Fox noted that, “Sr. Joan, like the wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us, recognized that there is a time for everything—but it was the time for healing that deeply resonated with her heart, her ministry, and her life. She tended not only to the physical needs of the sick and infirm but also extended God’s love and spiritual comfort to those she served.” 

Sr. Joan is survived by one sister, Mary Helen Cannon, and several nieces and nephews. 

A prayer service and time for sharing memories were held on May 6. The following day, Wednesday, May 7, the Mass of Resurrection was celebrated. All services were conducted in the Sansbury Care Center Chapel. The burial of cremains followed at St. Catherine Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts in Sister Joan’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219. 

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