Age 84
During her lifetime, Sister Barbara, a progressive and creative educator, empowered countless students and graciously and generously shared her educational and leadership skills in many personal and professional circles.
Entering the Sisters of Mercy in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the age of 20, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Mary College in Hooksett, New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in administrative education from Boston University.
For over four decades, Sister Barbara taught and served as an administrator in New Hampshire Schools. She ministered for ten years as a teacher at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Somersworth, seven years as principal at St. Patrick Elementary School in Portsmouth, and 26 years as principal at St. Joseph Junior High School in Manchester.
In 1974, she received an Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America Award, in 1993 she was listed in Who’s Who Award for Principals, and in 2002 Sister Barbara received an Education Excellence Award from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
In her retirement years, she remained active in supporting education through the Mercy Northeast Sponsors Council and mentoring new teachers and principals. Sister Barbara shared the joy of her love of dogs at St. Joseph Junior High School to the delight of the students and faculty. Her dog, “Buddy” would walk the corridors, accompany students, and visit offices and classrooms.