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Sister Joan Marie Slonina, a Felician-Franciscan of 65 years, died Jan. 4, 2007, in Albuquerque. Born in Chicago, Ill., to Thomas and Julianna Gnutek Slonina, Joanna was the middle child in a family of seven children. On Aug. 26, 1937, she entered Mother of Good Counsel High School in Chicago. Shortly after graduation, she followed in the footsteps of her two older sisters, beginning her studies to become a Felician sister and teacher in the Illinois and Wisconsin area. In 1960, Sister Joan was transferred from the Mother of Good Counsel Province of Chicago to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province of Ponca City, Okla. From 1960 to 1987, Sister Joan ministered as a teacher or principal, often combining both roles, in the states of Missouri, Texas and California. From 1987 to 1988, she served in internal ministry at the provincial house in Rio Rancho, N.M. During the 1988 to 1989 school year, Sister was the attendance clerk at Pomona Catholic Girls High School in Pomona, Calif. In the summer of 1989, she began a 14-year ministry at the Felician generalate in Rome, Italy, where she assisted the secretary general with clerical work. Sister was also a hostess to many who came to Rome and were in need of a knowledgeable and gracious guide. Illness brought her back to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Provincial House in Rio Rancho in the summer of 2003. Since her return, Sister spent much time in prayer. She had a strong devotion to the Merciful Jesus and everyday, with few exceptions, would be in chapel at 3 p.m. for the Holy Hour. Sister was also very devoted to the Eucharist and to Our Blessed Mother and the rosary. As long as she could, Sister daily walked and prayed to the Stations of the Cross. She was a kind and gentle person who placed others before herself. Sister Joan Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Sigmond Slonina. She is survived by her sisters, Sister Mary Angelica Slonina, Sister Jeanne Marie Slonina, Violet Love and Sabina Aofrate and her brother Henry Slonina. Wake Services will be held Monday, Jan. 9, 2007, at 7 p.m. in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel at 4210 Meadowlark Ln. SE in Rio Rancho. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 9 a.m. in the Assumption Chapel. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road Rio Rancho, New Mexico 505-892-9920
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