Sister Barbara Berthiaume died March 16, 2023, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS. She was 90 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 71 years. She was born in Escanaba, MI, on August 12, 1932, to Louis and Barbara Thiry Berthiaume, the first of seven children, and was baptized Barbara Jean. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on September 6, 1951. On March 19, 1952, Barbara received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Mary Gerald, later changing back to her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on March 19, 1953 and final vows on March 19, 1956.
In 1962 Sister Barbara Berthiaume received her Bachelor of Science from Marymount and completed her work for her Master’s Degree in Education in 1972 from the University of Detroit. She taught in schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Chicago, IL and Leawood, KS. In 1973 Sister Barbara began her service in pastoral ministry in Concordia, KS, Oneida, WI, Crystal Falls and Marquette, MI and in Goodland, KS. In 2012 Sister Barbara retired to the Motherhouse.
Sister Barbara Berthiaume was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers. She is survived by two sisters, Patricia Theoret and Geraldine Cauwels. A Bible Vigil Service will be held at 9:30 a.m., March 21, 2023 in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Sister Jodi Creten as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., March 21, 2023 in the Motherhouse, Chapel Father Barry Brinkman presiding. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. If attending any of the services, please use the West door. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Barbara may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
