Sister Barbara Kirkman

Sister Barbara Kirkman (Sr. 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 nephews. 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 and a Certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse from the School of Nursing at Bristol Community College, Fall River.

As a young religious Sister Barbara taught in parish schools staffed by her religious community in Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. In 1970 she attended Bristol Community College's School of Nursing to obtain a certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse. For twenty-five years she cared for the sick and elderly Holy Union Sisters at their retirement community in Fall River. When the sisters moved to The Landmark Assisted Living, Sr. Barbara returned to the classroom as a Teacher Aide at St. Vincent's Home, Fall River. She also volunteered at Catholic Memorial Home as a patient visitor, Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Mass. In her retirement, she joined the Holy Union Sisters Community at the Landmark and moved to Catholic Memorial Home when she needed more care.

Sister Barbara's Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River on April 14th at 11:00AM. It will be preceded by a visitation at 9:30 to 10:30AM and Memorial Prayer from 10:30 to 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery also in Fall River.

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.