Sr. Joyce Vasko, OSU

Known and loved by students, fellow teachers and community, Sister Lucia can be best remembered in her art and the inspiration she gave to countless students and fellow teachers.

Joyce Ann Vasko was born to John and Mary Vasko. She and her two sisters were very close. Her sister Grace passed away a few months ago.

After entering the Ursuline Congregation, Lucia studied at St. John College and Ursuline College, earning her Master of Fine Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

She began a long teaching career at St. Jerome, Immaculate Conception, St. Mary (Collinwood), St. Ann, St. Malachi and Holy Cross Schools. These were followed by many years at Villa Angela Academy, Beaumont School and Ursuline College. Upon retirement she established an individualized program of art entitled Studio One on One for retirees and ministers with creative projects for people at the Homeless Center as well as the sisters at Regina Health Center and Light of Hearts Villa.

As she celebrated her 75th anniversary in the Ursuline Community in 2026, she wrote:

"As I look back with joy and gratitude over my years in religious life, I picture it as the woven tapestry of a seamless garment containing a design of the things most important to me ... belonging to God, belonging to a loving family, friends and community, and being allowed to share in God's creation as an artist. The word "seamless" seems best to describe these seventy years as an Ursuline, blending my love for the contemplative with ample opportunities for a very active ministry. I was doing what I love best - teaching art! This for me is in essence sharing all God has given me with my family, friends and community."

Her art was seen in many of the places where she lived or taught. Most recently, the stained glass window depicting St. Ursula and St. Angela was dedicated at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School.

She chose an image of another window she designed for the cover of her funeral liturgy entitled Joyfully Reflected in the Light of God's Generative Love, truly a description of the gift she is to all who know her.

Sister Lucia's funeral liturgy is Tuesday, October 13th, 11:00am, with Visitation at 10:00am. All services at Regina Health Center, 5232 Broadview Rd., Richfield. Interment to follow at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon. Arrangements by DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland: https://www.ursulinesisters.org/support-us/donate