Joann Miller was born in St. Louis on Sept. 23, 1942, the first of three children of Kenneth and Leona (Berni) Miller. She grew up in High Ridge and attended St. John the Baptist High School.

Joann was received into the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood’s novitiate on July 25, 1961, receiving the name Sister John Antonio. She professed first vows on Aug. 10, 1963, and would have celebrated her 60th jubilee this summer. Sister John Antonio earned a bachelor’s in mathematics at Fontbonne University and a master’s in gerontology and health services management at Webster University.

Sister John Antonio was a woman of many talents, as evidenced by her diverse ministries. She served as a seamstress in the sisters’ Ecclesiastical Art Department, as a member of their post-Vatican II Renewal Team, as the administrator of the sisters’ retirement center, and as the founder and executive director of St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Centers (SEADCC).

In 1981, when adult day care was virtually unknown, Sister John Antonio established the first SEADCC site at St. Elizabeth Academy. She went on to establish multiple sites throughout the city and surrounding areas. In 1992, the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association acknowledged her as “the person who put adult day care on the map in St. Louis.”

Sister John Antonio was laser-focused on the SEADCC participants, the term she insisted on using to include those whom most would differentiate as clients, staff and family. She knew the names and stories of every participant at every site. Her community’s core values of presence, hospitality, reconciliation and response to human needs guided every interaction and decision.

Sister John Antonio provided other services at SEADCC as well, including mentoring students from Meramec Community College and Fontbonne and Saint Louis Universities. She also offered employment to people who needed a second chance.

Though always trying to avoid attention, Sister John Antonio received numerous awards for her leadership and dedicated service. She was honored as a “Woman of Achievement” by the Suburban Journals and KMOX Radio, given the “Servant of the Poor” award by the St. Louis Archdiocesan Committee on Women in the Church, and recognized with the “Community Support” award by the Center for Women in Transition.

Sister John Antonio took time for family and hobbies. She enjoyed biking, gardening, cooking and reading, to name a few.

Sister John Antonio was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Marian (John) Wuest, her brother, Kenneth (Rose) Miller, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, sisters and friends.

Burial was in the convent cemetery.