But instead of donning a red cape and fighting crime, this mother of nine from Rancho Cucamong, California put on scrubs and went to work in a hospital, protecting the most vulnerable of all humans: newborns.

When her ninth child entered school in 1975, Joan knew she wanted to find a way to keep herself busy. “When I was younger I thought about going into nursing, but I got married and raised kids,” Joan said. So with all of her children enrolled in school, she took the opportunity to follow through with her dream of becoming a nurse. After completing night school she enrolled in nursing school at Mount San Antonio Community College, specializing in obstetrics. “My mom is a wonderful person, both intelligent and loving,” said Joan’s youngest daughter, Julie. “She is so amazing to have nine children and then start a career that had her working graveyard while we were asleep so we never missed a minute of her.”

Joan worked at a Catholic hospital called Santa Teresita, which was run by Carmelite nuns. She enjoyed the Catholic environment. She worked as an OB nurse for 20 years before finally taking a much-deserved break in 2002. Today she goes to Mass every morning, Eucharistic adoration once a week and she enjoys camping at the beach in her motor home.

Joan grew up in a family of eight children while her husband, Wally, came from a family of seven. So when the two were married 53 years ago, they knew they wanted a large family of their own. Today, Joan’s nine children range in age from 38 to 53. Since she was blessed with such a large family, she continues to reap its benefits with 24 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one on the way. Two of her sons live just a few minutes away from her. A few more live only 20 minutes away, and the furthest child lives in Washington state.

Mitchell family gatherings are anything but small. While Christmas brought 40 family members to the table, Thanksgiving brought about 120 hungry guests! “I have a huge patio at my house where I can set up my 15 tables,” Joan explained. “But we rent halls most of the time.”

While Joan has been dedicated to the Oblates for over 40 years, she can’t recall exactly how she came to know them. She vaguely remembers being sent devotional cards and pamphlets asking for donations. “I think they do marvelous work,” she said. “The Oblates keep going even when most people are retired. They need our prayers and support, and I admire them for their dedication.”

By making charitable contributions to the Oblates, Joan continues her life’s work of caring for others. Her generosity blesses the Oblates and the people who depend upon them, making this Super Mother a hero in countless ways.