Sister Barbara Bruns, PHJC passed away March 17, 2015 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Herman and Wilhelmina (Kreke) Bruns in Germantown, Illinois on July 11, 1919. She entered the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 25, 1940.

Sister Barbara began her long history in education in 1940 at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. From there she served in many schools as a teacher, principal and sacristan throughout Indiana and Illinois until 2005 when she retired to the Catherine Kasper Home.

During the 65 years, she taught at these Indiana schools: St. Monica and St. Bavo, Mishawaka; St. Ann and St. Mark, Gary; St. Vincent Villa, Holy Spirit and St. Paul, Fort Wayne; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hammond; and Ancilla High School and College, Donaldson.

In Illinois she ministered at St. Henry and St. Augustine, Chicago; St. John the Baptist, Quincy; St. Anthony, Beckemeyer; St. Mary Convent, Trenton; and Mater Dei High School, Breese.

Sister Barbara wrote, "Most of my life has been spent in a classroom serving students." During these impressionable years, what a blessing it has been for me to lead hearts to our God and minds to knowledge."

Sister Barbara was a poet and wrote many poems for special occasions. Here is one for her special occasion.

Going Home

As I come to the last moment of my life

When my time on earth will be over then,

Be glad God is calling me home,

to join all the souls now in heaven.

Sometime you'll be journeying this way,

It is God's plan for everyone,

should you feel sad then and miss me

cheer up; let a kind deed be done.

This goodness will lift your spirit

As you join with friends you know,

live your life in charity and patience

as God's love your actions show.

Sister Barbara Bruns, PHJC

June 18, 2011

May she rest in peace!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.