Sister Joanne Bich, OSF, was formerly Sr. Marie George Bich. Her sister, Mary Paula Bich, a former nun, graduated in the Class of 1955-S.

OBITUARY: BICH SR. JOANNE OSF - On Thursday, April 6, 2017, sister of George (Regina) Bich and the late Fr. Howard Bich, OFM Cap. and Mary Paula (Andrew) Pavinich; daughter of the late George Joseph (Mary Petgen) Bich. Sister Joanne entered the Millvale Franciscans from All Saints Parish in Etna in 1954. During her 61 years of ministry, Sister served in various capacities. After serving on two years in the educational field she felt a strong desire to pursue nursing. From 1958 to 1971, Sister ministered at St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, followed by five years in home health nursing. In 1981, Sister was called to serve as director of human services for the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale. In 1993, she was elected community minister and then served in various positions of community leadership until 2002. For six years, Sister served senior citizens as manager at Alverno Apartments in Millvale. In 2008 she was elected regional minister for the Pittsburgh Region of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sister's final four years were spent in numerous areas of service to her sisters. For a while she even found time to volunteer at the local food bank. Her services were many but she always retained a special love for nursing in vulnerable populations and providing hope for those in need of encouragement. During these years, she was also a faithful patient at the Hillman Center and frequently expressed her gratitude for their kind and excellent care. Her extraordinary life mirrored her favorite scripture verse from Micah. Sister Joanne will be remembered by all as one who acted justly, loved tenderly, and walked humbly with her God. Visitation at the MT. ALVERNIA MOTHERHOUSE CHAPEL, 146 Hawthorne Road, Millvale on Monday from 2-7 p.m., where Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow in the Sisters Cemetery at Mt. Alvernia. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Ministry, Formation or Retirement Fund. 146 Hawthorne Rd., Pgh., PA 15209. -- Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2017