Sister Joan Irene Klukaszewski, former Principal at St. John the Evangelist School, entered eternal life on the newly designated Feast of Mary Mother of the Church on the evening of Monday, May 21, 2018, in Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., at the age of 82 and in the 65th year of her religious life. Sister was born in Natrona, Pa., the daughter of Joseph Klukaszewski and Frances Kozlowski.
Sister Joan entered the congregation of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in August of 1953 and pronounced her final vows in 1959. Sister’s early education took place in Natrona Heights, Pa. and she graduated from Mount Alvernia High School, Reading, Pa., in 1953. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in Secondary Education in 1965, received her Master’s degree from University of Scranton in 1971, and obtained her Principal’s Certification at Immaculata University. Her teaching career spanned 57 years serving as an elementary and middle school teacher as well as principal in Pennsylvania schools throughout the (Arch)dioceses of Philadelphia, Scranton, and Pittsburgh.
After 19 years, Sister Joan concluded her career in education at St. John the Evangelist School in Morrisville, Pa., with the school being named as A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2008. Sister currently resided in the parish of Our Lady of Grace in Penndel, Pa. Her devotion to children and love of education contributed to a successful career as teacher and administrator. World travel complemented her educational experience. Devotion, love of her congregation, and simplicity of lifestyle were the driving forces propelling Sister Joan’s life of service to God and to the Church. An outstanding example to her fellow sisters endeared her to the hearts of those she served as well as to parents and friends.
Sister Joan Irene was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Lucas, and is survived by her sister, Dolores Bombalski, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, May 25, at the Motherhouse of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, 460 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, Pa., where friends may call from 9 to 10:50 a.m. Interment will take place at the congregational cemetery at a later date.