Joan Manson, known to us in her early teaching days as Sister Mary Pius, was so loving, so caring and giving of herself. She had charisma and lit up a room the moment she came into it. Joan loved to laugh, and always had a smile and a positive word for you. In 1958, Joan drove the other nuns down Albert Street in a big old black Chrysler to turn into St James School, the school's very first year, when there were only three classrooms. The old car was affectionately known as "Jalopy." My Dad was naughty and teased her by calling her Joan. She started as an assistant teacher, and in time became the school's Principal, going on to teach in a few places. Wherever she went, she brought that same warmth with her. She told me how much she'd enjoyed being educated in Australia, the United States, and Dublin, though she never made a big deal of it, being typically humble. Joan was famous for her side-kick, "Monkey," who sat on top of a high cupboard behind her desk. Whenever she left the room, she'd remind us that Monkey was watching. Sure enough, when she came back, Monkey would whisper whether someone hadn't been working, or whether the class had been good. He seemed so still, but it was amazing how he came to life once wrapped in his blanket. Being in Sister Mary Pius's class felt so special. Over the years I saw Joan at the St James reunions, and I'd occasionally visit her and Pam Ward at Newhaven Place. The last reunion Joan attended was 10 September 2023, and the next day, she and Pam left for Villa Joseph in Upper Hutt. Not long after, Joan moved to Elderslea, where I continued to visit her. I'd share photos, and she loved talking about the nuns we'd known from school. I loved that moment when I saw her, poking my head around her door. Even in her last years, her eyes lit up when she saw me. Joan was so deeply loved. She gave so much of herself to so many people. Many will miss her dearly, and carry her memory always. I look forward to seeing her again.

Aunty Joan, You truly were and always will be a beautiful blessing to have as a Great Aunty. I'll cherish all the wonderful memories with you from my childhood through to adulthood, and be sure to share these with our beautiful wee girl Joscelyn Joan so that she may know how special a women you are. May you rest in eternal peace. Love Donella, Mitchell and Joscelyn Baxter

Dear Sisters of Mercy please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Sister Pius, I go back many years now when I met Sr Pius, where I met somewhere in wellington / Palmerston North Her smiling face made a big impression on me, and still carries many memories. 97 years young, for myself at 93 ageing gracefully, going from the photo displayed she still had that smile, it will always stay with me. I will be watching the funeral on livestream thanking you for making this possible. Assurance of Mass for her loving soul. God bless sisters. Br Pius Keene sm Taradale.

Sr Pius was an inspiration to so many young lives. All six of our family attended St James and Sr Pius made us feel so special. Bringing out her puppet monkey for generations of children to enjoy! She always was interested in what I was doing, I met up last time at Sr Patricia (Leo's) funeral and she had a smile on her face. Thank you from all the generations of children you have inspired. You were a special person and now you are where we all aim to go. I will be with you in spirit at her final farewell, present on the live stream, and I am sorry I cannot be there in person to farewell Sr Pius. RIP and may the Angels lead you into Paradise. Penny Holden nèe Richards St James School, Palmerston North

All of the Burton children were taught and loved by our Sister Mary Pius, all seven of us. Her love for her vocation shone through, and every child felt special and loved. She never told anyone off, we all wanted to do our best for her. It was like having a second mother at school, we looked forward to learning. She will be sadly missed, and remembered as a wonderful person.

Deepest sympathy to all the Sisters of Mercy. Joan was a wonderful Sister-In-Law to me, and I am going to miss her terribly. Her cheerful and unselfish nature and great devotion to God was an inspiration to all. I hope she is with my beloved husband, Brian and his family in Heaven. Marie Manson

Deepest Sympathy to All the Sisters of Mercy. Joan was just a wonderful sister in law to me, and I am going to miss her terribly. Her cheerful & unselfish nature, and her great devotion to God was an inspiration to All. I hope she is now with my beloved husband, Brian, in heaven, and his family. May she Rest in Peace.

Auntie Joan, colloquially known as "The Flying Nun" like Sally Fields for her many travels and tertiary studies at well known universities in Melbourne and Brisbane Australia and Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, USA. You always sported a cheeky smile and outgoing personality, never had a bad word to say about anyone and always had a great listening ear and wise words of encouragement for any occasion. You will be sorely missed, but are now united with Nana & Grandad, Dad and Auntie Margaret. Say hello from me and please pray for us to get to heaven to join you in Paradise. Donald

Great Aunty Joan, may you now rest in peace. So many beautiful memories with you that I will cherish. We always enjoyed coming to visit you and Sister Pam. Learning about the Sisters of Mercy through you and your special gift that you sent me when I did my young mercy leaders tour, I will always cherish. You had a huge impact on so many people. We will miss you always 🕊🤍 Love from Samantha, Nick and Harvey x

Aunty Joan , what a blessing it was to have you as a great auntie. Thank you for all the hugs, love, chats and prayers. I will never forget taking you on the Esplanade train. I told you you’re never too old to have fun and your smile that day is one of the many memories I will forever hold. Rest in peace now🤍 Loved always Kylie Brodie and little Riley xxx

Joan what a wonderful journey you have had ,and what a privilege it has been to be part of that .We so value your beautiful spirit and that legacy will live on in our hearts forever.Fly high in the universe my friend you will always be our Star, and we will look after Pam always.

Thanks for all your blessings .lots of love Michelle and Nilsa. From Awanui labs.