Mary Joan Schimian was the first child born to very loving parents, Loraine & Joseph Schimian, on February 10,1936 in Louisville, Kentucky. The young couple moved to Cleveland before their second child, David, was born the following year and four years later, their third child, Tom, was born.

It was only a year later, in December 1942 that Mary Joan’s father, Joe, died of rheumatic fever. Those of us who knew Mary Joan only as an adult believe that her father’s death touched her profoundly. From what she has shared - Mary Joan loved and was loved by Joe – and we rejoice that now finally they are together within the mystery of Eternal Life with God.

Loraine, Mary Joan’s Mom, a loving mother, and a strong and resolute woman moved her three young children back to Cincinnati where her own parents lived as well as the parents of her husband, Joe. It was there that Mary Joan attended school and lived her early years.

On January 25th, it was 66 years since Mary Joan left home to enter the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, an international religious congregation, dedicated to Reparation – that is to say, dedicated to manifesting God’s tender love for the world.

Through all the changes the years brought, the different places, she lived, the various ministries in which she was involved, there is no mistaking that Mary Joan maintained a very strong contemplative spirit – it was clear that she was grounded in her relationship with the Holy One we call God.

Those who have known Mary Joan for many years have reflected on what it is we want to share in remembering her and we offer the following thoughts.

— She was generous, devoted, and patient in caring for her mother, Loraine, during the last years of her life.
— She reflected carefully before she made a decision. Once she decided – she was determined, tenacious to carry it out. She was very steady.
— She was creative – especially in music. She loved to sing, play the guitar and the flute – she was nourished and sustained by music.
— She was also very creative as a seamstress and made several beautiful vestments that were worn for Eucharistic Liturgies in Mary Reparatrix retreat centers.
— She was meticulous – she was very careful about details, and she wanted all of us to be careful of details too!
— She was very neat and organized. Everything about her was that way – her manner of working, her clothing, room, and belongings.
— She worked very hard at self-healing and forgiveness.
— She had a unique sense of humor.
— She had a beautiful smile – and when happy her eyes danced!
— Recently, she was asked if she was getting ready to meet God – her clear response was “I am ready” – what a blessing!