Aston, PA—Sister Joyce Ann Helfrich, OSF, 68, (formerly Sister John Christine) died at her home in Baltimore on April 9. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 47 years. Sister Joyce was born in Baltimore where she was a member of St. Rita Parish and a graduate of the Catholic High School of Baltimore. She entered the congregation in 1967 and professed her first vows in 1970. Sister Joyce earned a B.S. in Education from Loyola University in Baltimore and an M.A. in Special Education and Reading from Towson State University. She ministered primarily in education.

Sister Joyce ministered for 44 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She taught at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, St. Anthony School, and Immaculate Conception School in Towson. Her work with special needs children included teaching at St. Vincent’s Center and Villa Maria School, both in Timonium. In 2014 she began working at her alma mater, the Catholic High School of Baltimore, where she served as director of mission.

Sister Joyce also ministered for three years in the Diocese of Wilmington where she taught at St. Thomas School.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 17, from 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road (Beltway Exit 26). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at 11 A.M. at St. Joseph Church, 101 Church Land, Cockeysville, MD, 21030. Sister Joyce is survived by her brothers, Brian and Michael Helfrich; by her niece and nephew; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.