Kowalski, Sister Barbara

Sister Barbara Kowalski, formerly known as Sister Clare Marie, died at the age of 90. A Sister of Mercy for 67 years, she entered into eternal life peacefully on February 24, 2021 Sister was born in New Britain, Connecticut, the daughter of Stephen Kowalski and June Reynolds Kowalski. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1954 and professed Perpetual Vows on June 28, 1961. She earned an M.A in Chemistry and an M.A. in Psychology from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Sister taught in the Archdiocese of Hartford for 34 years. Then, as her mother aged and became infirm, she became caretaker for her until her death 8 years later. From 1996-2001 Sister Barbara worked part time with our sick and retired Sisters at Mercyknoll providing them with her gracious presence, listening skills and her talent as a seamstress. Sister Barbara was a gardener and brought the fruit of her labor to brighten and delight the Sisters.

As her own health began to decline, she eventually moved to St. Mary Home in West Hartford. Sister Barbara was known there as a quiet and delightful person. Sisters, residents, and patients on the Baggot Street unit were entertained with her stories and her kind and gentle nature. One of the things she dearly missed was watermelon and those to whom she shared that desire always brought some when visiting.

Sister Barbara will be dearly missed by her sister, Margaret Goodrich, her nephew Keith Goodrich, and her niece Laura Sweet. Her Mercy Community, patients, and the staff at St. Mary Home will also miss her kindness. The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff at St. Mary Home for their loving and compassionate care for Sister Barbara

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 10:00am, at St. Mary Home cemetery, 2021 Albany Avenue in West Hartford, Ct. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott St., West Hartford, CT 06110-2335. Arrangements are by Dillon Baxter Funeral Home.