Sr. Joan Gallagher, CSA; Jeanne Colleran Weaver; and Richard Weaver

The Sister Joan Gallagher, CSA, Endowment Fund was established in 2018 by a visionary gift from Richard M. and Jeanne Colleran Weaver in gratitude for the loving, caring and transformative work of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine.

The Endowment Fund celebrates the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine’s enduring legacy of addressing the unmet needs of the community, as well as Sr. Joan’s leadership as the first executive director of Joseph & Mary’s Home.

A former college administrator, Jeanne recognized that the interest drawn from the principal of an endowment can annually fund needed resources to improve the mission. “This [Joseph & Mary’s Home] must last forever,” said Jeanne.

In 2025, the Weavers made another transformational gift commitment to the Sr. Joan Gallagher, CSA, Endowment Fund. Because of their generosity, the endowment now exceeds $1 million and will grow to nearly $1.5 million.

“The building has been built; now, we must ensure that the love and concern continues,” said Jeanne. “The endowment fund keeps this care for our neighbor going, and we are all connected through this radical vision of all things charity.”

Their gift was announced at the 2025 Perseverance in Hope Luncheon in honor of Sr. Joan’s 75th Jubilee and 95th birthday this year. “It is the work of prayer and vigilance; it is giving what we can,” Jeanne said.

Joseph & Mary’s Home is committed to growing the Sr. Joan Gallagher, CSA, Endowment Fund to more than $2 million in the coming years.

One ideal way you can make a meaningful endowment contribution is through a bequest in your estate plans. Joseph & Mary’s Home has partnered with FreeWill to make estate planning simple.