Sister Joan Marie Devine C.S.J., formerly, Sister St. Giles, a Member of the Congregation of St. Joseph for 68 years, died on April 19.
Sister Joan entered the congregation in 1952 from St. Joseph parish, Prospect Heights. She earned a BBA degree in Business from St. Johnѣs University in 1963 and an MA in the same field from Hunter College in 1966 followed by NY State certification.
Her ministries included: Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona (1954-1962); St. Anthony of Padua, Greenpoint (1962-1964); St. Patrick, Long Island City (1964-1966); Sacred Heart, North Merrick (1966-1969); St. Christopher, Baldwin (1969-1983); Stella Maris HS, Rockaway Park 1983-1994 The Opening Word Program, Brentwood 1994-2001 Building Administrator, St. Joseph Renewal Center 2001-2010.
Her burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood, after a private graveside prayer service.
I had Sister St Giles for my 6th grade teacher at St Patrick’s in LIC(Grade 6-2). She had a reputation for being TOUGH and we students who were in Grade 5-2 were a little in fear of her knowing that she would be our 6th grade teacher. We need not have feared. She was a very good teacher and brought out the best in us. And when I was in big trouble with my mother, for something I had done, Sister St Giles was very kind and understanding when I tearfully told her what had happened.
Thank you
I believe I was in the same class. Sister St. Giles was firm but fair. She made learning fun but you were never able to get anything over on her. May she rest in peace.
I had Sister St Giles in Our Lady of Sorrows. She a a kind person and a good teacher.
I had Sister St. Giles in first grade at Our Lady of Sorrows Corona. I was in the last class she taught at that school (1961-1962). I remember her as being extremely kind and patient with us 6 year-olds especially given the fact that there were over 60 of us in that class! It’s amazing how you can remember someone who touched your life after so many years.