Sister Joan Acker

Sister Joan taught astronomy and science when I was a novice at Villa maria back in the 60's. I loved her class and the assignments that involved looking for the planets in the night sky, Venus especially. I gained a love for the stars and an appreciation for the writings of Tailhard de Jardin who was her favorite scientist/theologian. Sr. Joan helped me expand my horizons. She was/is a woman of great courage, and this courage came through vividly as she faced her health problems.

I had cut Sr. Joans hair for almost
31/2 years.
she was a great woman. Her last cut was on the Saturday before her death. I took off that day to be in a fishing tournament. A nite bite. How wierd because that evening there were Falling stars all over the sky. I had never seen this in such exsteam. We were in a and small boat on a inland lake in southeren Ohio. When I think of her death it makes me smile, for she knows all the answers to all her research and is so glorious....

Like so many others, I feel priviledged and blest to have had Sr. Myles as a teacher. She instilled in me the confidence to pursue non-traditional career options at a time when many fields did not welcome women. She not only taught science, she shared wonderful observations on life and religion.

I still have a fossil trilobite from an Earth Science field trip to the quarries west of Cleveland. She was such a good teacher - inspiring, fun, challenging. She could captivate a room full of teenage girls. I will miss her.

Sister influenced my sister and me;she was my homeroom teacher and gave me a lot of good advice. May she rest in the peace & comfort of the Lord.

No words can express the love of knowledge Sister Myles gave to her students. My sadness if for all who loved and respected her so highly. My celebration is for her, that she is with God, Whom she loved most of all.

Sr. Joan had expertise in so many areas. I remember her as being such a welcoming presence when I arrived at Magnificat convent. I valued her friendship, support and mentoring. She was a very prayerfulwoman who lived the gospel without compromise and risked speaking the truth as she saw it.

It is sad to learn of Sister Acker's passing. She was such a friend to the Museum of Natural History in Cleveland and made many trips with her students here. She really loved the stars and astronomy and both Clyde and I will remember her smile and many happy visits with her when she was here. Bless you Sister Joan.