Joan Mahowald

Joan Julia Mahowald, 89, of Crosslake, MN passed away on August 2, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at St. Helena Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN.  Rev. Richard Villano will officiate, and burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior service on Tuesday at the church in Minneapolis, MN.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter, MN.

Joan was born in Minneapolis, MN on July 23, 1931.  She attended Roosevelt High School and was in the Senior Honor Society and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Journalism/Advertising in 1953.  Joan married Alfred Mahowald of Northfield, MN on December 28, 1957.  She worked in advertising for a children’s wear company and freelanced for Fashion Forecast Magazine in Minneapolis.  Freelancing gave her time to volunteer at St. Helena’s Parish in Minneapolis where she was successively the president of the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) at her parish, the Deanery and ultimately at the Archdiocesan level.  In March of 1977, she was presented a Pro Ecclasia et Pontifica Award by Pope Paul VI; recognizing her outstanding distinguished work on behalf of the Catholic Church.  Joan and her family moved to Crosslake in 1997, where she continued her CCW volunteering at Immaculate Heart Church and taught many Bible Study classes with her sister Joyce.  Joan was also active in the Pro-Life Movement, working with legislators, creating and presenting reports and attending local and national rallies.  Joan enjoyed traveling with her sister and their husbands, volunteering at her parish, tennis and writing – including a book, The Longing.  Joan, her sister, and two other friends were regulars for lunch at Antlers Restaurant where they were often treated to surprise beverages and desserts.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Sheila Mahowald who cared for her during her final years; two grandchildren, Sam Hayford and Emily Hayford; and five great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; parents, Albert & Johanna Fischer of Minneapolis; beloved daughter, Michelle “Misha” Mahowald; and twin sister, Joyce (Arthur) Vadnais.

Joan’s family would like to recognize her hospice nurse for the compassionate care she received in her final days.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the family.