Sister Joyce Schreiber, S.N.D. ~
Pastoral Minister
Oct. 1, 2010 - July 1, 2020
Sr. Joyce grew up on Cleveland's West Side, attending church and school along with her seven brothers and sisters at St. Vincent de Paul Parish on Lorain Avenue. Her mother was of proud Polish descent and her father was Jewish (later Catholic). Her choice of high school, St. Stephen, on the near West Side, brought her into contact with the Sisters of Notre Dame and she subsequently "entered the convent" after graduation. Sister trained to be an elementary school teacher, attending Notre Dame College and graduating from St. John College. She taught grades four through eight in various schools in the Dioceses of Cleveland, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown. Besides teaching and administration, Sr. Joyce has never been too far from continuing her own education, earning MA degrees from the University of Dayton and Virginia Tech and completing studies in theology for certification in Pastoral Ministry. In between she enjoyed summer studies in English, history and administration at Gonzaga University, the University of Nevada, Reno, Elmira College, New York, and Fordham University, New York. Sr. Joyce made the transition from teaching to parish ministry in 2004, serving as Directory of Religious Education at Assumption Church in Geneva, Ohio, before coming to St. Joseph, Mantua, in 2010. Sister greatly enjoys the people of the parish and the community and environs of Mantua. Along with her ministries at St. Joseph, Sr. Joyce enjoys keeping house in Mantua as well as visiting family, friends, and her own Notre Dame community in Chardon. She retired from active ministry July 1, 2020.

Sister Rose Anne Krantz, C.D.P. ~
Pastoral Minister
Sept. 1, 2006 - June 30, 2010
Born in Dover, Ohio, one of five children, Rose Anne Krantz grew up on a farm outside of Dover. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1962. Her first years of ministry were spent in the Catholic School System in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania where she worked both as teacher and principal. The next 17 years she ministered in West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate and Religious Ed Director. From 2001 until she came to St. Joseph's September 1, 2006, she served as Co-director of her Community’s Retirement House in Pittsburgh, PA. Sister Rose Anne's professional education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from La Roche College, a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duquesne University and extended work at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in Family Religious Studies. When not engaged in ministry her passions include quilting, camping, bike riding and hiking. Sister Rose Anne enjoyed working at St. Joseph and meeting the many people who make up the community. As Pastoral Minister she coordinated the RCIA process for adults and instructed a class for those young people who need sacramental preparation. In addition, she developed some much needed ministries and outreach programs for our parish including Bible Study, Bereavement, Homebound & Hospitalized Ministries (her last day in the office was May 27, 2010). In July, 2010, Sr. Rose Anne began in ministry at Immaculate Conception in Ravenna. She then became Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick's in Kent continuing to reside in Aurora with Sr. Lu Haidnick, C.D.P. In 2020, she returned to her motherhouse in Allison Park, Pennsylvania to serve. Sister Rose Anne, an avid quilter, who has made a quilt for every Community Oktoberfest, describes herself as compassionate, other-centered, and creative. She also enjoys tent camping and biking.

Sister Linda Valasik, H.M. ~
Pastoral Minister, Director of RCIA,
1989-1992
Serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Joseph's, Sister Linda earned her bachelor of science in education from St. John College, Cleveland, her master of religious education from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her MM (ministry) from Seattle University, Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Lourdes Academy, Cleveland, and entered the HM community from St. Francis de Sales Parish, Parma. She is the daughter of the late Stephen and Catherine (Lukcso) Valasik. Her ministries in the Youngstown Diocese also include teaching for one year at St. Paul, Canton, and serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Joan of Arc, Streetsboro. She was a part-time member of the Membership and Affiliation Team for the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, taught in the Portage County Adult Basic Education Program, and was an ABLE and ESL instructor for the Kent City Schools. Currently, Sister Linda is the coordinator for the Religion Division for The Center for Learning, an educational publisher, Villa Maria, PA, and celebrated her golden jubilee May 16, 2009.

Sister Marilyn Ruflin, H.M. ~
Pastoral Minister,
July, 1984-July, 1985
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Marilyn graduated in 1957 from Canton Central Catholic High School and entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary Congregation from St. Louis Parish, Louisville, Ohio. She earned her BSE at St. John College in Cleveland, a BSA at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and did her Master's work at Notre Dame University and St. John College. Sr. Marilyn's many talents, especially her love of art and her deep prayerfulness, enriched her ministries as a teacher, diocesan office director, liturgical consultant and in HM Congregational leadership. She taught elementary grades at St. Cecelia School in Cleveland, 1962-1965, St. Martha School in Akron, 1965-1970, and St. Louis School in Louisville, 1970-1977. From 1977 through 1981 she was the Facilitator of Parish Liturgy at St. Louis and then went on to serve as Pastoral Minister at St. Pius X in Warren (1981-1984). She was an active member of the Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Youngstown serving from 1977-2002 and again from 2009-2011. During her brief time at St. Joseph's (July, 1984-July, 1985) Sister Marilyn's main responsibilities were RCIA, Liturgy and Environment, and the Adult Education Team. Then she went on to work for the Diocese of Youngstown as Coordinator of RCIA (1985-1987) and Director of Worship (1987-1992). From there she returned to her order, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to serve as Director of Pastoral Planning (1992-1993) and on the Leadership Team (1993-2001). Following a year-long sabbatical (2001-2002), Sister became the Director of Worship for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Michigan (2003-2005) and worked with the Spiritual Environment for Humility of Mary Healthcare Partners (2006). due to illness in 2012 Sr. Marilyn returned to her motherhouse in Villa Maria, Pa., where she served in the ministry of faith-filled presence until her death. Sister Marilyn passed away on April 1, 2016 at Villa Maria Community Center.

Sister Mary Ann Wieseman, O.P. ~
Pastoral Ministry,
1982-1984
Sister Mary Ann was hired to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Mantua, Ohio, serving seven years in the parish. Invited by pastor Fr. Joseph Fata to assume the co-responsibility for preaching, she discovered a natural talent in this area. Besides preaching at St. Joseph's, she also served the parish through Homebound Ministry and & Outreach to the Homebound and Hospitalized as well as serving on the RCIA team. To learn more about Sister Mary Ann, please go to our Women Religious page.

Sister Mary Chad, H.M.
(Sister Mary Catherine Blooming) ~
Pastoral Minister,
1982-?
Serving the parish as Pastoral Minister, Sister Mary Chad was originally from Parma, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Thomas M. Blooming and Cornelia (Fodor) Blooming Histen. She received her BA from Notre Dame College, Cleveland, and her M. Ed. in Library Science from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. She has served as a teacher, librarian, director of religious education and pastoral minister in the Cleveland, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Youngstown dioceses. Her ministries in Youngstown include St. John High School, Youngstown; Central Catholic High School, Canton; St. Benedict Parish, Canton; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua; Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown; and St. Pius X Parish, Warren. She was a staff member of the House of Prayer in Youngstown and a librarian at Youngstown State University and also served in the diocesan Religious Education Office. Sister Mary Catherine celebrated her Golden Jubilee October 22, 2006 and is currently teaching religion at St. Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, Pa.

Sister Jean Gillespie, O.P. ~
Parish Ministry,
1979-1981
Need profile; Deceased

Mrs. Kathi Trares ~
September 21, 1992-present
Currently handling the administrative secretary duties of the parish, Kathi grew up in Stow where she graduated from Stow High School completing the Intensive Office Education program. She has worked as a receptionist for H & R Block, Inc. and as a secretary for Stow High School's Athletic Director, Kent's Huntington Bank loan department, Kelly Services, and Lamson & Sessions in Kent. Living in Shalersville Twp. since 1984, she and her husband, George, have three children, Jeff who's an engineer, Fr. James-Peter a Dominican priest, and daughter Wendy (Ralph) Harner who's married and has two sons, Gabriel and Liam. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteers for St. Joseph Parish activities and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. Kathi also enjoys gardening, hiking, trail building, genealogy, photography, traveling, and spending time with family.

Mrs. Cindy Clark ~
February 1, 2016-present
Handling our parish bookkeeping responsibilities as Business Officer Manager, Cindy was born and grew up in the "Old Brooklyn" area on the west side of Cleveland. She is a graduate of the first class of Erieview High School (formerly St. Peter's) in downtown Cleveland and is a licensed cosmetologist. Previous employments include a hair dresser for many funeral homes, Funeral Director's Assistant at Tomon & Sons Funeral Home and Johnson Romito Funeral Home, Family Services Counselor at Crown Hill Cemetery, Secretary/Dental Assistant at Dr. Betzholds, D.D.S. (Aurora), and Secretary/Receptionist at the Chiropractic Clinic of Solon. Married to husband, Ron, in September of 1975, the couple have three adult children, Stephen (Tamra), M. Scott (Denise), and Cadie (Eric Shaffer), and four grandchildren. Moving to Mantua in 1984, Cindy has been a member of St. Joseph Parish since 1989 and is involved in the St. Joseph's Garden Club, K of C Women's Auxiliary, Reception Committee, and as a Eucharistic Minister, and former Eucharistic Bread Baker. Her hobbies include spending lots of time with her grandchildren, gardening, crafts, painting, playing cards, and baking.

Mrs. Ruth Fitzgerald ~
March 1, 2015-August, 2018
Growing up in Virginia, Ruth graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism/Public Relations. She has worked in the real estate field as an office manager and administrative assistant and as a claims processor for an insurance company. She currently is an office manager for a commercial real estate company. Having moved to Ohio in 1997, Ruth and her husband, Shawn, live in Aurora with their two sons, Jeremiah and Adam, and one grandchild. She has volunteered her time at St. Joseph’s as our Ox Roast Fair Volunteer Secretary, Eucharistic Minister, Mass Set-up, and Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catechist.

Ms. Jan Huter ~
November 13, 1995-February 27, 2015
Serving the parish as Administrative Secretary for nearly 20 years, Jan is a long time parishioner who has been involved in a variety of aspects of the parish including Worship Committee, Garden Club, Ox Roast Fair, Home & School Association, and Sacristan. She is the proud mom of three daughters, one son, and three grandchildren. Jan retired at the end of February, 2015.

Mrs. Mary Hladky ~
1992-October 28, 1995

Mrs. Irene Hickman ~
1984-1992

Mrs. Tiny Ricciuti ~
1982-?

Mrs. Bette Cruz ~ 1982-?


Mrs. Julie Buonpane ~
1960's?-1981
A resident of Mantua since 1952, Julie was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Church where for over 20 years she served as church secretary. She was involved with the Crestwood Teacher's bowling league with her husband, Tony, volunteering at the Crestwood Primary School, Robinson Memorial Hospital, "Meals-on-Wheels", and St. Joseph School. She enjoyed cooking, writing poetry, and the loves of her life, her family and grandchildren. She was married for nearly 58 years to Anthony "Tony" Buonpane until his passing on April 29, 2006. Mrs. Buonpane died December 27, 2011.

Mrs. Carolee Smith ~ 1960's?

Mrs. Leona Redhead ~ 1950's?

Mr. Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor
Oct., 1994 - Sept. 30, 2010
Supervising Ox Roast Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall (and formally our school meal program and the Bingo Snack Bar), Mr. Roberts was been employed at St. Joseph's October, 1994 (the hot lunch program began Jan., 1995) through September, 2010. Growing up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store and full service meat market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983), Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993) and co-hosted "The Other Side of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik (1994-2001). He has been the President of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio (2005/2006) and also served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer, Liturgical Minister, Homebound Minister, president of the Christian Service Organization, and organizer of the Cruise In. He and wife Diane live in Hiram Township and have two children, who are both St. Joseph School alumni - David Roberts who has one son; Kelly and husband Daniel Cartwright have four sons. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows.
Al Roberts Retires - On September 13, Al Roberts completed over sixteen years as Food Service Supervisor. Al was hired to begin the daily hot lunch program in the fall of 1994 (began Jan., 1995). Through the years he rounded it out to become a model in providing healthy, nourishing lunches at a reasonable price. Many times he went above and beyond the call of duty for our students and our parish. In addition, Al frugally ordered food for the Ox Roast Fair, saving St. Joe's many dollars. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Food Service Program ended upon
closing of St. Joseph School, June, 2010.

Mrs. Rebecca Edmonson ~
Food Service Specialist, 2008-2010
Born in Chattsworth, California and growing up in Newbury, Ohio, Becky graduated from Newbury High School. Prior to coming to St. Joseph School as our Food Service Specialist for the 2008/2009 school year, she worked as Kitchen Director for the Geauga County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. She and her husband were married in 1980 and live in Mantua. They have two married sons.

Mrs. Dawn Sara ~
Assistant Food Service Supervisor, 2007-2008
Growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and graduating from Warrensville High School, Mrs. Dawn Sara comes to assist with our Food Service program this school year. Previously, she working 10 years in the kitchen and 6 years as proctor at Kenston Schools. Residing in Mantua with her husband, John, the couple has three grown children. In their spare time, they enjoy their miniature horses, camping, and their grandchildren.

Mrs. Lisa DeYoung ~
Asst. Food Service Supervisor, 2006-2007
Joining the Food Service staff in 2006, Mrs. DeYoung was born in Bedford and grew up in Mantua. She attended Crestwood High School and Bohecker's Business College and has worked at Med Center One in Kent/Streetsboro. She is married to husband Jason and mom to Jeffrey (age 12), Allison (age 10), Emily (age 6), and Jason (age 5). Lisa's hobbies include reading and being taxi for her children! Mrs. DeYoung and her family moved out of state for her husband's job.

Ms. Amy Seink ~
Asst. Food Service Supervisor,
2001-2006
Living in Newton Falls, Amy is single with three boys, Joshua, Jacob, and Jarrod. She enjoys breeding and training exotic birds.

Mrs. Bonnie Rosati ~
Food Service Prep., 2002-2003

Mrs. Gayle Jones ~
Food Service Asst. Manager,
1997-2002

Mrs. Patty Keenan ~
Food Service Prep., 1999-2002

Mrs. Kim Gray ~ Kitchen, 1993-1999

Prior to 1994 St. Joseph School
did not have a hot lunch program
except for volunteer mothers
who provided soup and pizza
each offered one day a week.