Obituary of Sr. Barbara J. Joseph

SISTER BARBARA J. JOSEPH, OSF Born: Barbara J. Joseph on March 26, 1945, in Warren, OH Died: March 7, 2020, at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa, FL Daughter of: William and Helen Marie Craig Joseph, Easley, SC Sister Barbara entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, on August 13, 1989, was received into the Congregation on August 11, 1990, and professed her final religious vows on September 19,1998. For 31 years, Sister Barbara lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community. Barbara attended grammar and high schools in Warren, Ohio, and Youngstown University, majoring in elementary education. While she was a Postulant, Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for the Archdiocese of New York. After her Novitiate, she ministered at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, then did retreat ministry at the Franciscan Center in Tampa and social ministry at Daystar in St. Petersburg and in Gulfport, FL. Sister Barbara was a talented writer and took some time to devote to her writing. She was the editor of Allegany Connections and did editorial work for the booklets published by Allegany Art. While living at St. Elizabeth Convent in Tampa, Barbara volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries until her health kept her from continuing to serve those who are poor for whom she had a special place in her heart. Sister Barbara was predeceased by her parents; brothers, William and David; and sister, Helen Hess. She is survived by her brother Paul and several nieces and nephews. Barbara will be welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY, at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated Friday, March 13, 9:30 a.m. at the Motherhouse Chapel. Burial will be at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.