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Charity Sister Joan Eileen Butler, 88, who taught at the now-closed St. Peter the Apostle Elementary School, New Brunswick, died Dec. 10 at Bay Shore Medical Center, Holmdel.
Sister Joan Eileen was born in Jersey City, the daughter of John and Josepha (Kayet) Butler. She entered the Sisters of Charity Sept. 6, 1955.
Sister Joan Eileen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station. Sister Joan Eileen was an educator and served in health ministry in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
In addition to Saint Peter’s, she taught at Our Lady of Grace School, Hoboken and Our Lady of Lourdes School, West Orange.
She also ministered as a Nurse’s Aide at Saint Anne Villa, Convent Station; Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley, Mass.; and Omna Health Care, Montclair. She retired in 2006.
After her retirement, Sister Joan Eileen continued to live at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent where she continued to volunteer. In June 2022, Sister Joan Eileen moved to the Convent of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station. Sister Joan Eileen had an uplifting and positive spirit. Her quick-witted manner brought laughter to those around her. She had great generosity and was always ready to help anyone in need. She was an avid reader and correspondent to many by mail and phone.
Her diverse interests brought her many friends and acquaintances. As a faithful Sister of Charity, she strove to make God’s love known in the world.
Sister Joan Eileen was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Gloria Giaimo; nephews Stephen Verheul, Frank Verheul and niece Judith Giaimo. She is survived by her Sister of Charity family, her sister Dorothy Verheul (Mukilteo, Wash.), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and many friends.
A funeral Mass for Sister Joan was celebrated at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, Dec.15. Burial was at Holy Family Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Steven J. Priola Funeral Services,
Parsippany.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Sisters of Charity Development Fund, PO. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476.
