Associate Jocile Walsh April 13, 1935 – March 2, 2022

Associate Jocile Catherine Walsh died on March 2, 2022, at Emery Place in Robins, Iowa.  She was born on April 13, 1935, to James and Mabel (Valliere) Walsh in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jocile wrote in her application that her education from kindergarten through college was with the BVMs. Jocile graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Cedar Rapids.  She began her undergraduate at Clarke College and entered Mt. Carmel in 1954, becoming a vowed member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) and was a member for 16 years. Her religious name was Teresina.    She earned a BA from Mundelein College, Chicago, Illinois, and later received an MA from the University of Montana.

She left the congregation in 1970 and taught in the public schools of Oak Lawn, Illinois for 25 years.  Jocile wrote, “During those years I had regular visits with my aunt, Sister Jocile Valliere, BVM and have treasured the Salt magazine since 1989.” During her long career in private and public education, Jocile taught elementary music, computers, and library science.

After retiring from teaching, she moved to Arizona to be near family and assist her niece who has two children, one who needs special attention.  During this time she became reacquainted with BVM Louise Szkodzinski, who had been her teacher at Mt. Carmel and Mundelein.  Through this relationship, she became friends with Mary Clare Sweeney, BVM. She had a desire to reconnect further with the BVMs.  Jocile became an associate on February 14, 1997.   In her application for associate membership, Jocile wrote,  “I bring deep gratitude for the blessings of friendship and education that I have received from the BVMs, an appreciation of their way of life, an interest in their well-being, and a desire to share their spirituality.”

In the late 1990s, Jocile returned to Dubuque where she resided, and volunteered at Mt. Carmel.  Later she moved to Cedar Rapids to be closer to her brother and sister-in-law.

Memorial Service arrangements are with the Murdock Funeral Home in Marion, Iowa.  A memorial service will be held at a later date for the family.

May she rest in peace.