Sister Joan Ann Gilsdorf

Sister Joan Ann Gilsdorf, 92, formerly known as Sister Mary Francis, of the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, died at 8:10 pm Friday, January 10, 2020, at St. Francis Home.

She was born May 30, 1927, in Toledo, to Arnold and Lillian (Thiel) Gilsdorf.

She is survived by a brother, Vernon Gilsdorf.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Betty Langenderfer, Barbara Jean Petsche and Margaret Pitcher; and two brothers, Arnold and Lawrence Gilsdorf.

Sister Joan Ann Gilsdorf, formerly known as Sister Francis Gilsdorf, was born into the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Toledo. She served as housekeeper in North Auburn, Millersville, Blakeslee, Miller City, Toledo, and St. Joseph Renewal Center in Tiffin. She worked in food service at St. Anthony Pilgrim House, Carey; St. Anthony Villa and Camp Lady of the Lake, Toledo; Women’s Hospital in Cleveland; St. Francis Home; and the motherhouse dietary department. Sister Joan Ann also served as the Director of the Congregational Historical Museum. In later years she served as a companion in the Discernment House, was a Minister of Prayer, Presence and Service in Charlotte, North Carolina and in Tiffin. At the time of her death she served as a Minister of Prayer for the Congregation.

Sister Joan Ann loved being in nature and, whenever possible, she went for long walks with her dog, Max. She enjoyed camping, baking, painting, music, and refinishing furniture.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 11 am until 1 pm, at St. Francis Home Chapel, 182 St. Francis Ave.  and 1:30 to 3:30 pm, with a Wake service at 1:30 pm, at St. Francis Convent Chapel, 200 St. Francis Ave.  Funeral Mass will follow at 3:30 pm, in the convent chapel.  Burial will follow in the convent cemetery.

Memorials can be made to St. Francis Convent or St. Francis Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, OH 44883. (419) 447-3113.  For directions, or to send condolences, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.