Sister Barbara Ann Beck (formerly Sister Francis Charles), OSF, died Aug. 1 in Assisi House, Aston, Pa. She was 83. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia for 62 years.
Sister Barbara, who was born in Detroit but later moved and attended Catholic high school in Pennsylvania, entered the congregation in 1957 and professed her first vows in 1960. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Neumann University (then Our Lady of Angels College), Aston, and a master’s degree in spirituality and theology from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y.
She served primarily in spiritual ministries and education and served for 45 years in the Diocese of Camden. With the help of Sister Judith Shambo, OSF, Sister Barbara initiated a spirituality/evangelization program called “Visitors for Christ,” which she shared with numerous parishes throughout the Camden Diocese.
She also served in pastoral ministry as director of spirituality at several parishes including Saint Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Berlin, and Saint Edward, Pine Hill (both now Saint Simon Stock Parish); Holy Family, Sewell; Saints Peter and Paul, Turnersville; Saint Nicholas, Egg Harbor (now Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Galloway); Resurrection, Marmora (now Saint Maximilian Kolbe); Saint Stephen, Pennsauken; and Mary, Mother of the Church, Bellmawr. She continued to serve in spiritual ministry around the Diocese in her later years, as well.
Sister Barbara began her life as a sister in education, serving for eight years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She served in spiritual ministry at Saint Agnes Hospital and also for various parishes around the archdiocese. In 2022, she moved to Assisi House, where she served in prayer and hospitality until her death.
Additional ministry work included seven years in the Diocese of Allentown, Pa.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 3. She was interred at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston. Sister Barbara Ann is survived by her nieces, nephews and Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of Saint Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
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