Johanna was the third youngest child born to Echard Dorn and Catherine Uerling on May 23, 1902, at St. Anna, Wisconsin.

In her brief autobiography she wrote with great affection for her family and the close bonds among her siblings, as well as the neighborhood children who were never wanting at the Dorn residence. A great void was experienced when her Mother died. She wanted to enter the convent in 1919 but chose to stay home to help keep the family together.

Her heart’s longing was satisfied 4 1/2 years later when she entered Clyde on April 28, 1924, having heard of it though '''Tabernacle & Purgatory. She was professed on August 21, 1926 and made perpetual vows on August 22, 1931.

Sister had an aptitude for maintenance work and helped with the plumbing, heating and everything necessary in the building, besides working in the kitchen and laundry. Prayer, both personal and communal, always remained her choicest occupation. 

Sister Seraphia died peacefully at 8:25 pm on July 17, 1989 as the Sisters sang the Suscipe, and prayed her favorite prayers,