A woman who embodied her name, Sister Joy Giovanni was a person truly special to the Archbishop Riordan community during her time here as a counselor.

On Jan. 16, Sr. Joy died at the age of 84 years old. The impact she had on the faculty and students of Riordan was something special, something pure, something joyful.

From 2001 to 2018, Sister Joy, an avowed religious sister for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet, worked as a counselor and teacher for RSP at Archbishop Riordan. In doing so, she spread her faith and love for the community.

Described as being “a rock for many students” by Michael Vezzali Pascual ’88, Sr. Joy’s impact on the students at Riordan was nothing short of exceptional; it was a source of love and joy.

Alex Datoc ’87 recalled how, “for a good portion of her time [here] she worked with students who were struggling and gave those students guidance and resources to succeed”.

Vanessa Vincent, a current counselor, said, “she was a fierce student advocate who provided unconditional love and support for every student she came across.”

English teacher Ms. Loder echoed this comment, saying she remembered Joy being “very patient with the students and [that] she had a very calming effect on them.”

Sr. Joy didn’t just provide support for students. She also coordinated the Lancers, helped at liturgies and school events, made sure everyone at school felt welcome, and was a person to confide in.

Sr. Joy was an active member of the Riordan community. Mr. Datoc remembers, “every early morning she would make her ‘rounds’ and say, ‘Hello’ to everyone that was around. During Christmas time, she would make Saltine Cracker Toffee for the faculty and staff to enjoy”.

Math teacher, Ottilie Valverde, reminisced about how Sr. Joy “always went to the plays and [how] sometimes I went with her.” Valverde was a friend to Sr. Joy, along with being a person Valverde could describe as very spiritual.

She was a friend, a coworker, a counselor, a light, a joy– a blessing. Loder said Sr. Joy taught her to, “be a light for others.” Datoc added that she always, “asked for the best of you in what you do and how you conduct yourself.”

Sister Joy Giovanni was a woman whose life and kindness will never be forgotten. Her legacy of gentleness and joy will forever illuminate the lives of the Riordan community, providing comfort in a time where it’s needed.

This story was originally published on The Crusader on April 18, 2024.