Sr. Joanne O’Connor, OP, formerly Helen Susan O’Connor and, in religious life as Sr. Mary Joannes, died March 8 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 96 and in her 78th year in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. O’Connor was born in Chicago to Daniel and Corinne (Barry) O’Connor. She earned degrees from Barry College (University) in Miami and Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian. She also was certified for pastoral care by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Sr. O’Connor spent 32 years ministering in Michigan, Illinois and Florida. In Michigan she taught at Dominican High School (1953-54) and Rosary High School (1966-71), both in Detroit. She taught for 11 years at Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian.

Sister is survived by a sister, Joan Panaro of Santa Rosa, Calif. She was predeceased by a sister, Sr. Helene O’Conner, also an Adrian Dominican Sister.

A memorial Mass was celebrated March 13 in St. Catherine Chapel in Adrian. Burial was to be in the Congregation Cemetery.