A Tribute to Sister Joan Kuester, D.C.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Sister Joan Kuester, D.C. passed away on July 11, 2026.  She died peacefully surrounded by her family and fellow Daughters of Charity in Evansville, Indiana.  She led the Daughters of Charity Foundation of St. Louis, now Marillac Mission Fund, from its inception in 1995 until 2019, following a long career in nursing and hospital administration.  Her caring spirit, devotion to those experiencing poverty, and question of “what more can we do” live on in our work.  This video celebrates her 40 years with Ascension in 2018, and offers a glimpse of her impact on thousands in the St. Louis area.   

A local memorial is being planned in the next several months.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support during this difficult time. 

In her own words, “If I did not give my all or receive openly, I always knew I was loved by God and tried to love in return.”