The Diocese of Norwich mourns the passing of Sister Joan Marie Crapps, 77, who passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Living Center, following complications from cancer, a disease she faced with courage and faith for seven years.
Born on December 21, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Eda Mae (Dreager) Crapps. Drawn to a life of service at a young age, Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church in Baltic, Connecticut, in September 1966. She professed her Perpetual Vows in 1975, dedicating her life fully to God and His people.
For more than fifty years, Sister Joan served as a devoted educator, teaching first and second grade with both skill and compassion. She spent 26 years at St. Joseph School in Baltic and also ministered in Catholic schools in Byram,
Manchester, Willimantic, Old Saybrook, and Taftville. Her vocation as a teacher was marked by patience, attentiveness, and a genuine love for each child entrusted to her care.
Sister Joan will be especially remembered for her deep devotion to the spiritual lives of her students. She had a particular gift for leading children to encounter Christ, often bringing them before the Blessed Sacrament and guiding them in prayer and adoration. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping hearts and nurturing faith in countless young lives.
After many years of dedicated service, Sister Joan made the difficult decision to step away from teaching due to declining health. Even in illness, she continued to live with intention, sustained by prayer and the support of her community.
She is survived by her Religious Sisters in community, as well as her siblings: Joan (Joe) Ducharme, Sandy (Dan) Benham, Susan (Mike) Roberts, Laurie (Ken) Kroyer, and her brother Steve (Kathy) Crapps. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply. Sister Joan was grateful for the many friends who supported her over the years with their prayers and visits.
Her family and community also extend heartfelt gratitude to her physicians and caregivers at Hartford HealthCare, especially Kristen Joly, and to the devoted staff at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. Their compassionate care allowed Sister Joan to live her final years with dignity, peace, and grace.
Visitation and Funeral Arrangements
Calling hours will be held at the Motherhouse in Baltic, Connecticut, on Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, March 21, prior to the Funeral Mass.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Baltic.
Following the burial, all are invited to gather for a light luncheon at the Academy Dining Room on campus, where Sister Joan’s life will be celebrated through fellowship and shared memories.
Please pray for the repose of Sister Crapp's soul and for the consolation of all who mourn her death.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.