Sister M. Joyce Burkhart, OSF

SEPTEMBER 13, 1938 - jANUARY 30, 2024

Sister M. Joyce (Helen Margaret Mary) Burkhart, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on January 30, 2024, at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 85 and in her 67th year of religious profession.

Sister entered the community from St. Gabriel Parish in Pittsburgh in 1955 and professed her first vows in 1956 at Mount Assisi Convent Chapel, also in Pittsburgh. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University.

Sister Joyce taught the elementary grades at various schools in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She also was involved in parish ministry as a Coordinator of Religious Education in Pennsylvania and Texas. Sister Joyce served in elder care in New Jersey and at Marian Hall Home, now Mt. Assisi Place. She also assisted with Mount Assisi Academy Preschool and served as local minister and sacristan at Mount Assisi Convent. Her final years were spent as a faithful participant in prayer ministry at Mt. Assisi Place, assisting with community service as her health permitted.

Sister Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Helen (McCormack) Burkhart; her brothers, Peter and Ralph; and her sister, Grace Lennon. She is survived by her religious community and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 5, 2024. Sister is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15229.