Joan Gisevius Johnson

Joan Gisevius Johnson of Metairie, Louisiana, peacefully passed away on the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, educator, and friend whose life was marked by service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Catholic education.

A proud graduate of Ursuline Academy, Joan was a member of the Merry Mac Class of 1961. Her love for Ursuline remained steadfast throughout her life. She generously gave of her time and talent as a board member for both Ursuline Academy and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and she was honored as Alumna of the Year in recognition of her faithful service and commitment to the Ursuline mission.

She continued her education at Loyola University New Orleans, graduating summa cum laude in Business. While at Loyola, she was an active member of Phi Phi Phi sorority and was named Miss Wolf, an honor bestowed upon a senior woman who exemplified outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service to the university community. Joan later earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Xavier University of Louisiana, further preparing her for the vocation that would define her life.

Joan began her professional career in the student finance office at Loyola but soon discovered her true calling in education. She joined the faculty of Sacred Heart of Jesus School, where she taught religion, business math, and typing. Over the years, she touched countless lives as a teacher, guidance counselor, and eventually principal. When Sacred Heart of Jesus School became Seton Academy — proudly located on Canal Street, as she often reminded everyone — Joan’s leadership helped guide the school through years of growth and change.

She later oversaw the merger of Seton Academy and Redeemer High School, forming Redeemer-Seton High School, where she continued to serve as principal with vision and dedication until the school’s closing after Hurricane Katrina. In 1996, she was nationally recognized with the prestigious National Catholic Educational Association’s Principal Award, a testament to her exceptional leadership and lifelong commitment to Catholic education.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Johnson; her father, Frederick J. Gisevius, Jr.; her mother, Valda Hernandez Gisevius; and her twin sister, Jane M. Gisevius.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Jennifer Johnson Molina and Michael Thomas Johnson (Alicia); her sister, Carol Gisevius Waguespack (Roland); and her six cherished grandchildren: Dexler Steven Molina, Juan Manuel Molina, Jr., Dylan Davis Cummins, Aida Molina, Lydia Lynne Cummins, and Clancy Jane Johnson. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in each of them.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., and a graveside service at All Saints Mausoleum will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Masses be offered in Joan’s memory or that donations be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 2701 State St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70118 or to Ursuline Academy, 2635 State St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70118.

Joan’s legacy of faith, education, and loving service will continue to live on in the countless lives she shaped and in the family she cherished so deeply.