Sister Joan Barbara Fenton, OP

Sister Joan Barbara Fenton (also known as Sister M. Philip) age 70, a Springfield Dominican Sister for 50 years, died April 24, 2014. She was born to Thomas and Elsie Sheehan Fenton in Pontiac, IL. As a young Dominican Sister, Sister Joan Barbara taught at these parish schools: St. Edward and St. John Bosco in Chicago, St. Michael in Duluth, St. Joseph in Bradley and St. Malachy in Rantoul. For several years she ministered in child care at the Alfred Fortin Villa in Bourbonnais. Before coming to the motherhouse in 2007, she volunteered via Catholic Charities in the Kankakee area. At the motherhouse she was known for her cheerful generosity, creativity and prayerfulness as she went about quietly assisting in various ways. Sister Joan Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Paul. She is survived by her brothers, Ronald of Kankakee, Thomas aka Gene (Sharon) of Ames, Iowa, sister-in-law, Wanda Fenton of Georgetown, Texas, and by several nephews and nieces. Visitation: A visitation will be held from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 West Monroe St., Springfield. A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass and Final Commendation: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2014 with Reverend Clinton Honkomp OP, presiding. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.