Sister JoAnn Persch RSM

Sister JoAnn Persch, RSM, known as a tireless advocate for immigrants, unhoused women and children, was committed to increasing awareness and inspiring the next generation of leaders and activists. Sister of Mercy JoAnn Persch died suddenly Friday, November 14 , at the age of 91. Constantly living her passion for justice and human dignity she was predeceased by Sister Pat Murphy, RSM her lifetime companion and partner in compassionate care. Sister JoAnn's vision, leadership and ability to mobilize resources made a direct impact on the lives of countless people in need. At an age when most have retired. Sister JoAnn and Sister Pat co-founded Catherine's Caring Cause with the mission to provide unwavering support, resources, and empowerment to asylum seekers as they navigate the challenging journey to a better life. As Catholic Sisters of Mercy, they were inspired by the core principles of Mother Catherine McAuley, their foundress. Sister JoAnn was born in Milwaukee in 1934, to Evelyn (nee Nolan) and Bernard Persch. She grew up in Milwaukee and after graduating from Mercy High School she joined the Sisters of Mercy and became a teacher. A change maker throughout her life. Sister JoAnn served at several Catholic schools in Wisconsin and Chicago. She earned her Master's Degree in Religious Education from Loyola University Chicago. A Sister of Mercy for 73 years, Sister JoAnn's faith was forefront as she pursued justice and opportunity for immigrants and other marginalized persons. Those who were homeless, victims of torture, lonely or abandoned senior citizens, young adults wondering about social justice, asylum seekers being held in detention, families torn apart by deportations - all these commanded JoAnn's and Pat's attention, wounded their hearts, and roused them to action. Skilled networkers, this formidable and innovative team, together with others, founded and launched a number of organizations or facilities designed to serve those in need. To name a few - Su Casa, Casa Notre Dame, the David Darst Center, Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants, and most recently Catherine's Caring Cause. Protests and prayers, being arrested, teaching, leading a successful effort to close all private or for profit jails in Illinois, convincing local ICE authorities and state legislators that immigrants in detention had a right to religious visitation or services, listening, arguing, refusing to give up-over time, JoAnn's and Pat's tenacity caught media attention and brought honors and awards. Such public attention became another means of advocating for immigrants and for just and comprehensive immigration reform. Behind it all, supported by the Sisters of Mercy, they lived by faith, heeding Jesus' command to love God and neighbor, and adhering to their activist motto: "We do it peacefully and respectfully, but we never take 'no' for an answer." Sister JoAnn is survived by her beloved Nolan and Persch cousins, the Morris Family, Clarice Rohan, the Pat Murphy Family and many dear friends who shared her belief in God's commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.