Age 83
Sister Barbara Anne Brennan was a Sister of Mercy for 65 years. Sister Barbara graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland, in 1956 and entered the Sister of Mercy in the Fall. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish. She also obtained her Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern Maine, Portland.
For much of her religious life, Sister Barbara was faithful in serving in the ministry of education as Principal and Teacher in the following schools: St. Athanasius, Rumford; Cathedral Elementary, Portland; St. Mary’s, Biddeford; St. Joseph’s, Portland; St. Mary’s, Bangor, St. Patrick’s, Portland and St. Mary’s, Augusta.
In addition to her years in education, Sister Barbara enjoyed several other ministries. Her versatile nature took her to the Bahamas, where she was a pioneer in developing the Mission in the South Andros area before they had water and electricity. She also spent some time as a Unit Coordinator at Mercy Hospital, Portland; Resident Service Coordinator at Deering Pavilion, Portland; Assistant Librarian at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish; and she also spent a summer ministering to the needs in a “Holler’ in Appalachia,
Sister Barbara served on the Boards of Mercy Hospital, McAuley High School, and the Sisters of Mercy Sponsorship Council.
Everyone who knew Sister Barbara knew of her love and devotion to her family. She enjoyed being with them at formal or informal gatherings. Some of her fondest memories were her trips to Ireland with her family and discovering her Irish roots.
Sister Barbara had many interests, some of which were following the Red Sox and Patriots games, enjoying them most when they won! Sister Barbara also enjoyed entertaining guests and sharing hospitality with them.
By selecting her motto, “Jesus was silent,” Sister Barbara reflects her personality and her fondness for quiet reflection. During her brief illness, she expressed, “I’ve never felt so close to God.”