A Lifelong Supporter of the Sisters of Mercy and their Mission

Joan Gann’s connection to the Sisters of Mercy began, literally, at birth… She was born at Mater Misericordiae – the hospital the Sisters of Mercy founded in East Sacramento that would become what is known today as Mercy General Hospital. Years later, she would deliver all four of her own children at Mercy General and she and her husband Richard would both undergo surgeries inside Mercy General’s walls. “Mercy General and the Sisters have always been part of my life,” Joan says.

Having seen the works of the Sisters firsthand over the years, Joan has always felt committed to supporting them in their mission. Throughout that time, her support has taken many shapes. She has served on Mercy Foundation’s Board of Trustees, has been a Mercy General Guild member, and she and Richard have supported the Sisters ministries through philanthropic gifts. “The Sisters have given so much to this community over the past 150 plus years,” Joan says. “They are so deserving of any support they receive.”

Perhaps her greatest impact is in the 14 years spent she spent as a member of the Mercy General Community Leadership Council, which she also chaired for six years. Joan’s passion for the Sisters’ many good works became critical when, in 2001, the hospital announced plans for the Alex G. Spanos Heart & Vascular Center. “I knew how important this facility would be to the world-class cardiac care Mercy General provides to this community,” Joan says. “However, some in the neighborhood didn’t really understand the plans and had strong feelings against the project. My job was to get the facts out there.” Joan did just that and was vital in increasing public awareness and support for the project. Joan has also been instrumental in the capital campaign associated with the center.

In 2014, Joan was honored with Mercy Foundation's Distinguished Service Award for her longtime service and commitment. But she isn’t resting on her laurels. Whatever Joan's next role is, one thing is certain – her passion for the Sisters of Mercy and their mission will not wane.