Barbara Cleary, CSJP (1921-2023)

Sister Barbara Cleary was born on the 24 October 1921, to Joseph and Anne (Egan) Cleary in Shrinrone, Co. Offaly, Ireland. She was the fourth of eight children that included brothers Michael, Peter, and Joseph, and sisters Mary, Margaret, Annie, and Teresa.

Sister Barbara became a postulant with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace on 1 May 1938, and entered the novitiate in 19 March 1939, taking the name Sister M. Barbara. She made final profession on 15 August 1944.

Sister Barbara knew the recipe for life: love, laughter, prayer, and positivity. She was an outstanding cook, building on her natural talent by pursuing courses in Dublin, Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; and Grimsby, England. Her delight was to produce a delicious meal, and her presentation was invariably a feast for the eyes as well as for taste. She made every meal special. Her pastry making was unequalled, and she delighted in passing on hints and ideas to those who wanted to know her culinary secrets.

During her long life, Sister Barbara served in Ireland, Scotland, and England. She stayed interested and updated on the life of the Congregation, even in later years. Her smiling face was seen by sisters and associates across the Congregation on Zoom calls, joining in from her room in Hanwell.

She was a wonderful patient who accepted all her illnesses and suffering with great bearing and peace. Her faith sustained her throughout. “I thank God every day for the sisters and for their continued goodness and care of me,” she recently remarked. It was truly a joy to be in her presence.

Sister Barbara passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning of 30 November 2023, at St. Mary`s Convent, Hanwell, London, England, surrounded by love and care from near and far.

We give thanks for Sister Barbara`s 102 years of life and 84 years of loving service as a Sister of St Joseph of Peace. Her physical presence will be missed among us, but we trust that we have another strong advocate in heaven. We are confident that all Barbara`s family members, who have died, including her sisters, Sister Thecla and Anna, also Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, have welcomed her with open arms.

May Barbara now enjoy the love and care of God who was always at the centre of her life. May she now rest in God`s Peace.