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Sister Barbara Kirkman SUSC(Sister Isabel Mary)March 5, 1934 ~ April 10, 2026
Sister Barbara Kirkman (Sister Isabel Mary) SUSC died April 7 at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River at the age of 92. Born in Fall River, MA on March 5, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Green) Kirkman. In addition to her Holy Union Sisters, she is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great grandnieces and great grandnephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Thomas, William, John, Joseph, her twin Eugene and sisters Isabel Kirkman and Marilyn Wheeler.Sister Barbara’s early education was at the Academy of the Sacred Hearts in Fall River. She earned a B.S.Ed. at Catholic Teachers College. As a young religious Sister Barbara taught in parish schools staffed by her religious community in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. In 1970 she fulfilled a life-long desire to become a nurse. She attended Bristol Community College’s School of Nursing where she was certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse. For twenty-five years she cared for the sick and elderly Holy Union Sisters at Prospect Place Retirement Community in Fall River. She described this ministry as “a source of life, wisdom and joy”. After serving her own sisters for over ten years, she learned of a request for sisters to serve at “Casa de Esperanza Crisis Center for Children” in Houston, TX and joined the staff at “Casa” for a year. Barbara brought to this ministry the main qualification that the director noted: “a love for children and a desire to love them, relate and interact with them.” She forged strong bonds with some of the lay volunteers with whom she remained in touch for over forty years.In 1999, the Holy Union Sisters moved to The Landmark Assisted Living where staff provided nursing care. This change led Barbara to return to the classroom as a Teacher Aide at St. Vincent’s Home, Fall River. She also volunteered at Catholic Memorial Home as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector at Mass and patient visitor. She served as coordinator for the Fall River Holy Union Associates and for a few years traveled to New York to work with the Associates group there. When she retired, she joined the Holy Union Sisters at The Landmark and moved to Catholic Memorial Home when she needed more care.Barbara’s love and affection for her large extended family was known to all. She delighted in attending family reunions and kept up with the news of many weddings and births in the younger generation. Sister Barbara’s Mass of Christian Burial and Prayer Vigil took place at Holy Name Church, Fall River. Burial at Saint Patrick Cemetery followed. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Waring Sullivan Cherry Place Funeral Service. Donations in Sister Barbara’s memory may be made to the Mission Advancement Office of the Holy Union Sisters, 205 Bedford Street, Fall River, MA 02720.
As we bid farewell to Barbara, may we be comforted in the knowledge that she is now partaking in the banquet of rich food and wine prepared for her by her faithful God.
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