Joan M. Stoverink

Sister Joan M. Stoverink, ASC, 73, of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, died peacefully on March 12, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community in Belleville, Illinois. She had been professed for 43 years.

Born on May 22, 1952, the second of five children to the late Glennon and Dorothy (née Werkmeister) Stoverink of Hillsboro, Missouri, Joan grew up in a family that attended Good Shepherd Parish. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education before entering the ASC community and later received a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago in 2000.

As a dedicated educator, Sister Joan taught at St. Joseph School in Olney, St. John the Baptist in Red Bud, and St. James in Millstadt, all in Illinois, as well as at Father Bertrand School in Memphis, Tennessee. Her creativity and thoughtful approach brought a broader perspective to her students, enriching their learning with artistic classroom displays and individualized assignments. After completing her master’s degree, she served as Director of Religious Education and Pastoral Associate at the Clinton County parishes of St. Bernard in Albers and St. Damian in Damiansville, Illinois. She later tutored in the English Tutoring Project in St. Louis, Missouri, while also serving as Vowed Commitment Director for ASC Candidates.

In her final years, Sister Joan devoted herself to community service within the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She was appointed the first Assistant Director of the International Novitiate in Rome, then returned to tutor ASCs and international students. She served as Community Life Coordinator at Benedictine Living Community alongside Sisters Angela Schrage and Jane Gegg, continuing her tutoring work and acting as ASC Liaison with the staff. A generous and compassionate woman, she remained connected with former students and their families, befriended the Burmese children she taught, and showed deep respect for their culture by attending Mass with a Burmese priest.

Sister Joan is survived by her brothers Jerry (Diane) Stoverink, Tom (Sally) Stoverink, and Larry (Cindy) Stoverink; her sister Mary (David) Boushie; many nieces and nephews; and the ASC community. She was preceded in death by her parents.