Posted September 9, 2019

Sister Barbara Anne Newton, R.S.M., age 79, died Aug. 26.

She was an elementary school teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 15 years before transitioning to health care ministry, specifically working in medical records administration.

Her studies in that field took her to Pittsburgh, followed by a new ministry in Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y., where she ministered as assistant director of Medical Records.

Sister Barbara loved her time with her Sisters in Mercy in Buffalo. With her love of nature she embraced every opportunity to visit Niagara Falls and experience the changing face of the falls with each passing season.

One of Sister Barbara’s special gifts was her faithful connection with the people she encountered. She loved to keep in touch with them and many were enriched by these treasured connections.

She is predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Anna. In addition to her religious community, Sister Barbara is survived by her brother Tom and her sisters Rosemarie (Zimmer), Mary (Tiziano) and Anne (Caruso) as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 16 in the Chapel at the Convent of Mercy, Merion. Burial was Sept. 17 in the community cemetery.

Contributions in Sister Barbara’s memory may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic, 515 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066.