Mercy Sister Joanmarie McDonnell, who ministered in the field of Catholic education, including 38 years in Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, died April 6 in McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung. She was 89.

A memorial Mass will be held April 22 at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank.

The former Sister Mary Paschal, was born in 1934 in South Amboy. She received her early education from the Sisters of Mercy in St. Mary Elementary School and St. Mary High School, both South Amboy. She held a bachelor of arts degree in English from Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and a master’s degree in English from The Catholic University of America, Washington.

Sister Joanmarie entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy at Mount St. Mary, Watchung, Sept. 24, 1955. As a novice she began her teaching career to her fellow novices. She went on to teach secondary English in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and in 1969, at Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung. In 1971, she was named assistant principal of Notre Dame High School and remained there for six years until she returned to teaching secondary English in St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy, followed by her assignment in Red Bank Catholic High School where she remained for 38 years.

In 2019, Sister Joanmarie became a resident of McAuley Hall Health Care Center, where she resided until her death.

Sister Joanmarie is survived by her brother, three nieces and two cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, N.J. 07069.