St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN - ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS - Sister Joyce Brophy died on Aug. 27, 2025, in Mother Theodore Hall, St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

She was born on March 5, 1929 in Joliet, IL to Robert E. and Loretta Corcoran Brophy and was baptized Mary Joyce.

Sister Joyce entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on July 22, 1947 and received the name Sister Robert Ellen. She professed Final Vows on Jan. 23, 1955. She earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master's degree from Indiana State University.

In her 78 years as a Sister of Providence, she taught for 32 years in schools in Illinois, Indiana and California. She served as principal for 19 of those years. She taught at Sacred Heart School in Terre Haute from 1995 to 1999. Interspersed within her years of teaching, she held a number of administrative positions in the Congregation. She held positions in the formation program for new members from 1965-69 and served as Provincial of the Motherhouse Province from 1984 through 1991. She also worked in the St. Mary-of-the-Woods College Development Office from 1980 to 1982.

Retiring from teaching in 1999, she gave many years of service to her sisters at the motherhouse as well as volunteering at Providence Conference and Spirituality Center and Connecting Link in West Terre Haute. Beginning in 2019 she dedicated herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

Born into a loving family that celebrated its Irish heritage, Sister Joyce shared that love with all. Her administrative skills were merged with compassion. Her teaching skills encompassed the total welfare of her students. Her warm smile, her kindness, care and respect for all she met, will long be remembered.

Sister Joyce is survived by nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. Brophy, Jr., and a sister, Margaret Ann Brophy.

The wake is on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception with the Wake Service at 4:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Terry Johnson presiding. Burial is in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence.

DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory assisted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876-1007.

www.debaunfuneralhomes.com