Yuhasz, OP, Marie Joy of Grand Rapids (born Joanne Mary Yuhasz in Lincoln Park, MI) died on December 2, 2020. She was 82 years old and a Dominican Sister for 62 years. Sister Marie Joy earned a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) from Aquinas College, an M.A. in Religious Education from St. Paul Seminary, Saginaw and a Master’s in Music from Michigan State University. Sr. Marie Joy taught music at Holy Rosary Academy, Bay City and St. Stephen’s, Grand Rapids. She also served as liturgist, organist, and music teacher at St. Stephen’s, Port Huron; Sacred Heart, Muskegon Heights; St. Robert’s, Ada; St. James, Grand Rapids; St. Nicholas, Capac; and finally as a volunteer who played the piano for visitors, patients and residents at Mercy Health, Lacks Center and at the Marywood Motherhouse whenever needed. Sister Marie Joy’s entire professional life was dedicated to the teaching, composing, and performing music. Her classmates recall that even though she was a trained and superb classical musician, she could also cut loose with some fine jazzy ragtime tunes made for clapping and dancing. Quiet, gentle, unassuming, Sr. Marie Joy composed numerous hymns, taught innumerable pupils, and brought appreciative joy to thousands of listeners throughout her life. Hers was a life of simple joys and gratitude. She never forgot to thank people for everything from a slice of fresh bread to health care given in her later years. Sister Marie Joy is survived by her brother Donald (Charlotte) Yuhasz, Madison Heights, Michigan; her sister-in-law Beatrice Yuhasz, Lima, Ohio; nieces, nephews; many friends and members of her Dominican Community. In an effort to protect our vulnerable population from the Covid-19 virus a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Dominican Chapel/Marywood on Monday, December 7. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Marie Joy Yuhasz’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters, Director of Development, 2025 E. Fulton Street Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895.
2 Responses
I HAVE NOT SEEN Johanne Yahasz for many hears but have thought about her over the years.
we were postulants at the same time. After I left and she was a postulant I never had the
chance to get to Marywood to see her.
i very sorry to hear of her passing.
My prayers are with the family of Sr. Marie Joy and her Dominican community on her passing from this life.
I was blessed to know Sr. Marie Joy for many years and worked with her on projects when I was the Director of the Worship Office for the Diocese. A very talented and giving person. We are all better for having known her.
God grant her eternal peace and the best Christmas of all!
Fr. Tom Simons