Jeanne Delanoue, religious name Joan of the Cross, (18 June 1666 – 17 August 1736) was the founder of the Congregation of St. Anne of Providence, and is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

She helped her mother run the shop selling religious goods, catering to pilgrims to the shrine.

A skillful businesswoman, she kept the store open even on Sundays and holydays,[1] which was considered somewhat scandalous in 17th century France.

Her house, near the Loire, had caves and cellars similar to those of wine merchants, in which she provided shelter for orphans, the sick, the aged, and the indigent.

[6] That same year, Michel Poncet de La Rivière, Bishop of Angers approved the constitutions of the small congregation.

[7] At the time of her death there were twelve communities of her sisters, spread throughout France, serving the poor and needy.

Jeanne Delanoue was beatified on November 9, 1947 by Pope Pius XII, and the cause for her canonization was opened on January 7, 1951.