Posted April 03, 2018 in Obituaries

Dedicated teacher and lab technician

Many Ursulines credit Sister Johna Lincoln (formerly Sister M. Anselm) for their passing college science courses as young sisters, recalling her patience in teaching botany, zoology, chemistry and physics, and her ability to break down complex ideas into more readily understood concepts. Countless others benefitted from Sister Johna’s skill as a lab technician. Still others found in her a quiet, somewhat enigmatic woman who loved to read. The skilled science teacher, dedicated lab technician and avid reader died Easter Sunday at Regina Health Center in Richfield where she had been in residence five months. She was 85. 

Johna Lincoln was born May 20, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, the middle child of three born toSamuel and Edna (Humphrey) Lincoln. The Villa Angela Academy and Ursuline College graduate entered the Ursuline community from St. Aloysius Parish in September, 1954 and professed final vows August 12, 1960. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1966.

Sister Johna began her ministry career teaching science to postulants and novices at the motherhouse before extending her teaching efforts to students at the College’s Overlook Road campus. She also taught one year at Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart in East Cleveland.

After a 15-year career in science education, Sister Johna was granted permission to study medical technology at University Hospitals. After completing studies in 1971, she served 28 happy and fulfilling years in the hospital’s lab. 

In retirement Sister Johna served in respite ministry to caregivers and in a letter and card ministry of outreach and support to community members and others. Her final service was a ministry of prayer and presence. 

Sister Johna is survived by a niece and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister, Randolph Lincoln and Cora Ann Lincoln.  

She will be remembered for her quiet demeanor, clever quips, love of reading and fondness for cats. She was a faith-filled woman, a committed religious, and a devoted sister and aunt. 

Donations in her memory can be made to the Ursuline Sisters.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.