Sister Barbara J. Joseph, OSF

Sister Barbara J. Joseph, who joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany later in life, died March 7, 2020, at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa, Fla. She was 74.

The daughter of William and Helen Marie Craig Joseph was born on March 26, 1945, in Warren, Ohio. She attended Youngstown University, where she majored in Elementary Education.

Sister Barbara entered the order on Aug. 13, 1989, and professed her final religious vows on Sept. 19,1998. For 31 years, Sister Barbara lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community.

While she was a postulant, Sister 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, Fla.

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, Sister 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.

A funeral Mass was celebrated March 13 at the Motherhouse Chapel. Burial will be at a later date.