Dr. Joan Marie Kulpa, 87, of Peoria, IL passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at her residence.
Joan was born on July 24, 1937, in Peru, IL to Joseph S. and Helen M. (Sajnaj) Kulpa.
Surviving are a brother, Joseph Kulpa of Aurora, CO, and two sisters, Mary Catherine (Edmund) Antas of Collinsville, IL, and Helen Ann (Kulpa) Baker of Peoria, IL. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Marjorie A. Sweezey and one brother, Richard R. Kulpa.
After graduating from L-P Township High School, Joan continued her education and earned a diploma in Nursing from Saint Francis Hospital Nursing in Peoria, IL. While at St. Francis, Joan entered the Third Order of St. Francis and was known as Sister Mary Mark. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education degree and taught at St. Anthony Hospital School of Nursing in Rockford, IL. When she came to realize that the religious life was not her calling, she requested and received a Papal dispensation from her vows.
Over the following years, Joan earned a Master of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing degree and a Doctor of Education degree. Dr. Kulpa taught in the Nursing Department at Ball State for 3 years before obtaining a position in Bradley University’s Nursing Department where she taught for 22 years. After retiring from Bradley, Dr. Kulpa worked as a Medical Transcriptionist at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for 16 years.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a celebration of Joan’s life held by the family. Private graveside rites will be held at a future date according to her wishes. There will be no visitation. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Monsignor Jason Gray will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Joseph S. and Helen M. Kulpa Memorial Scholarship in Nursing or to the Dr. Joan M. Kulpa Scholarship in Nursing at Bradley University.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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