Sister Joyce Kolasa, OP

Kolasa, OP, Sister Joyce (born Barbara Anne Kolasa in Elmira, MI) died on March 5, 2023. She was 89 years old and a Dominican Sister for 71 years. 

Sister Joyce received a B. A. from Aquinas College and M.A. in Elementary Administration from Central Michigan University. 

Sister Joyce was a teacher and several times principal at St. Joseph, Bay City; St. Joseph, West Branch; Blessed Sacrament, St. Thomas, and St. Anthony, Grand Rapids; St. Josaphat, Saginaw; St. John, Essexville; Sacred Heart, Merrill; and St. Mary, Gaylord. 

Then she entered a new ministry as pastoral minister to the elderly at St. Adalbert Basilica, Grand Rapids. Here she visited and provided spiritual counsel to senior citizens, drove them to appointments, brought Holy Communion to shut-ins, and visited nursing homes, individual residences, hospitals, and the Michigan Veterans’ Facility. Her next ministry was at St. Joseph, Traverse City as pastoral associate. When Sr. Joyce retired to Marywood she served as an elder care volunteer. 

Whenever in a group she was quiet and retiring but enjoyed one-on-one conversations with friends. Her interests included music, reading, and out-of-doors activities. 

Sister Joyce is survived by nieces, nephews, many friends and members of her Dominican Community. 

In an effort to protect our vulnerable population from the Covid-19 virus, a private Funeral Mass with vaccinated immediate family members and Sisters will be celebrated at Chapel of the Word, Marywood on Tuesday, March 7. Masks are required. 

Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Joyce Kolasa’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.