August 15, 1933 - October 29, 2016
Sr. Joyce Marie Michel (AKA: Sr. Marie Laurent) was born Aug. 15, 1933, in Morgan City, Louisiana.
She died at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana, on Oct. 29, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Michel; her mother, Matilda Leonard Michel; her sisters, Theresa Canty, Angeline Guidry and Rita Mae Bonner; and brothers, Lawrence Jr., Hilton, Maurice (Mitch), Daniel and Floyd.
She is survived and fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their families.
Sr. Michel entered the Marianites of Holy Cross on Sept. 8, 1957, and pronounced her perpetual vows on Aug. 5, 1963. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau and a Masters Degree in Administration and Guidance and Counseling from Loyola University in New Orleans. She did post-graduate work at the University of Notre Dame.
Her years of ministry included leadership in education at the elementary and secondary levels. Sister Michel served for 12 years in elementary administration and 15 years in secondary administration. During these years, she served as principal at St. Andrew School in New Orleans; Holy Cross School in Morgan City; Holy Angels Academy in New Orleans; Resurrection School in New Orleans; and Central Catholic High in Morgan City.
As a leader in education, she was Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools in New Orleans and Director of Research and Development at Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
As a dedicated educator, Sister had excellent communication skills and used these skills wisely. She had a charisma that led others to trust her and have faith in what she preached and practiced. She was unafraid to take a stand on an issue and undaunted in her efforts of promoting quality education and insuring that the interest and welfare of the students were paramount in her endeavors.
She used her gifts as guidance counselor at St. Stanislaus High School in Mississippi and as pastoral associate at St. Jules Parish in Belle Rose. She was manager of Calais House for senior citizens for Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge; was administrative secretary at Our Lady of the Lake Assumption Hospital in Napoleonville; and was coordinator of pastoral care at St. Clare Manor Nursing Home in Baton Rouge.
Through her varied life experiences, Sr. Michel had high ideals and was a take charge person. If there was a problem, she sought ways to solve it; if there was a better way to reach a goal, she diligently worked to improve the situation; if a family member or co-worker needed help, she was promptly present to assist.
In the midst of her strong work ethic and dedication to service, she delighted in spending time with family and friends.
To celebrate her life, a wake service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home with burial in St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, the Marianites of Holy Cross request that memorial donations be made to the Marianites of Holy Cross at 21388 Smith Road, Covington, LA 70435.