Sister Joan Marie Messier

Sister Joan Marie Messier (formerly Mary Majella Joseph), 89, a Sister of Mercy for 71 years, passed away on November 24, 2023 after a period of declining health. A native of Keene, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Arlene (French) Messier.

Sister Joan received degrees in elementary education, a B.A. from Mount Saint Mary College in Hooksett, New Hampshire and an M.A. from Keene State College. She was a dedicated teacher and administrator in Catholic schools in New Hampshire, teaching at Holy Trinity in Somersworth; at St. Raphael School, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, at St. Patrick School, and at St. Joseph Junior High School in Manchester; at St. Patrick School in Berlin, at St. Joseph School in Keene, at Sacred Heart School in Lebanon, at St. John School in Laconia, at Immaculate Conception School in Penacook, and at Sacred Heart School in Nashua. For more than 25 years, Sister Joan was principal at St. Christopher School in Nashua and was instrumental in building a library and computer room. When she retired in 2005, an inscribed granite bench was installed in front of the school in her honor.

After retirement, Sister Joan served in parish ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Manchester, New Hampshire. She particularly enjoyed community outreach to the elderly. She also loved horses and regarded them as gentle companions.

Sister Joan is survived by members of her Sisters of Mercy community. She was predeceased by her brothers, Bruce and Ralph, Jr. Messier and a cousin, Robert Sweeney.

Friends may call at the Warde Senior Living Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, New Hampshire on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 10:00-11:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, in the chapel. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, New Hampshire. Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, Rhode Island 02864-1124, and online at www.sistersofmercy.org. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.