Celebrating the Life of Sister Barbara Siderewicz
SISTER BARBARA SIDEREWICZ, 1949-2024
Discernment is a contemplative life stance of being attuned to the Holy Spirit for the sake of Mission.
— Community Discernment Statement
Sister Barbara Siderewicz gave her life totally to God when she professed her vows as a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on May 29, 1970.
The oldest of twelve children born to Cecilia and Frank Siderewicz in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended elementary school in her home parish, St. Francis of Assisi. She was nurtured in service to others through her large Catholic family and her strong Polish heritage, so much so that she knew her gifts and at a very young age wrote, “My plans for the future consist of teaching, preferably math, and serving God as a nun.”
Throughout her 54 years as a Franciscan Sister, she was a discerning woman who knew how to seek, how to listen, and how to act. She gave herself unselfishly to the mission of the Franciscan Sisters.
Sister Barbara’s ministry in Catholic education was influenced by her penchant for numbers and logic. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Marillac College in 1973 and taught mathematics and science to upper grade students. Following her desire to be an advocate for students and families, Sister Barbara earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
She ministered in the Archdiocese of St Louis as educator at Our Lady of Guadalupe School (1970-1972) and St. Casimir School (1973-1979). Her acute mind, organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to lead others brought her to serve in many positions of leadership. Her ministry as administrator began at St. Casimir School (1979-1981), Our Lady of Guadalupe School ((1981-1985), followed by St. Pius X School (1985-1986), Saints Joachim and Ann School (1991-1997), and St. Pius V School (1997-2003). Sister Barbara also served as principal at St. Matthew School in Oak Creek, Wisconsin (1986-1991) and as a teacher at Queen of Peace School in Belleville, Illinois (2003-2005).
It is no surprise that Sister Barbara was elected to congregational leadership from 2005-2010, during which time she compiled a comprehensive document of the community’s Constitution, history, procedural manual, and Declaration Statement on Discernment. She also invested time and love in tending the community’s archives. She went on to serve as PSR teacher at Immaculata Parish for several years. From 2012 to 2023, Sister Barbara shared her skills, ministering as executive assistant for the Congregational Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Her life was full. She was an excellent baker, she kept the memories of her large family, she was a skilled cross-stitcher and artist. She had a subtle, off the cuff, and surprising sense of humor.
Sister Barbara saw her life as a journey much like the disciples on the way to Emmaus. She recognized the One who accompanied her on the way and with a discerning spirit, she listened to Him as she whole heartedly served and lived the Franciscan community mission of being a transforming presence.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers David, Raymond, and Joseph. She is survived by her siblings Lorraine, Ann, Theresa, Mary, Pauline, Rose, Stanley, and George.
Following a celebration of her life and a funeral Mass, she will be laid to eternal rest among her Franciscan Sisters at Resurrection Cemetery in Shrewsbury, MO. Memorials for Sister Barbara are welcomed by the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Donations and stories are being accepted through the website https://franciscansisters-olph.org/donations/, by phone at 314-965-3711 (leave a message for Sister Cheryl at x-111) or through the mail: Franciscan Sisters, 335 S Kirkwood Rd, St Louis, MO 63122.
