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M. Barrett Obituary
She was born on February 14, 1929, in Scranton, Pa., and given the name Dorothy. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Mildred Padden Barrett. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1946, and made her temporary profession of vows on May 9, 1949, and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1952.
Sister Adrian served as a teacher in the following schools: Immaculate Conception Elementary School in West Pittston, Pa., from 1949 to 1958; St. Rose Elementary School in Carbondale, Pa., from 1958 to 1960; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Silver Spring, Md., from 1960 to 1961; Archbishop Neale High School in La Plata, Md., from 1961 to 1964; Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona, Pa., from 1964 to 1965; St. Joseph High School in Williamsport, Pa., from 1965 to 1968; and St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, N.Y., from 1968 to 1976. She then served at Scranton United Neighborhood Center, in Scranton, Pa., from 1976 to 1986.
In 1986, Sister Adrian founded the nonprofit charitable organization Friends of the Poor, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The mission of Friends of the Poor is to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all who live in low- to moderate-income communities. The ministry brings together in friendship those who have the desire to give with those who are in need of assistance.
Sister Adrian was the subject of a PBS documentary: "Sister Adrian Barrett - Mother Teresa of Scranton." The film received three national awards. Governor Robert P. Casey appointed her to the PA Commission on Aging. She was the chairperson for the Justice and Peace Commission, Diocesan Synod II and the first woman to be the grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
In addition, Sister Adrian was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Christopher Spirit Award, the Governor Robert P. Casey Medal for a Lifetime of Service, the Americanism Award from B'nai B'rith and the Distinguished Honor Award from Scranton's Martin Luther King Commission.
From 2009 until the time of her death, Sister Adrian served as a prayer minister at her family home in Dunmore and at Our Lady of Peace Residence.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history/English from Marywood College, and a Master of Arts degree in Afro-American history from St. John University. She also received honorary doctorates from Marywood University and the University of Scranton.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerome, Attorney Paul and Gerard.
She is survived by a sister, Marie, of Dunmore, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Katherine Barrett, of Scranton, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Barbara Barrett, of Dunmore, Pa.; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. She is also survived by the members of the IHM Congregation.
The funeral will be Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 10 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Friends may call at the IHM Center, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton on Wednesday, October 14, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. Interment will follow Mass on Thursday at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Poor, c/o 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 or to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
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Memories and Condolences
for M. Barrett
Rev Daniel Kane
November 10, 2015
I never met Sister Adrian but read a lot about her good works. I believe the line in Matthews Gospel says it all and is living testament to her life: When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink. When I was naked you clothed me. When I was in prison , you visited me. And when I was stranger, you welcomed me.
My brother Tom knew her quite well. She would drop into his Housing Office at Scranton City Hall and ask housing assistance for the poor all the time.
I firmly believe the Scranton Diocesan Bishop Bambera needs to send a petition to Rome and open a cause for her elevation to sainthood.
October 23, 2015
Thank you sister for your help through the years. It was a pleasure helping beside you also. Thank you for your kind jester and kind words. Thank the Lord above he provided us with such an angel. Love you and will miss your smile this year.
Vicki Fields-Williams
October 21, 2015
Sister Adrian was truly an angel here on earth. she has touched so many lives in Scranton, and our family tremendously. You can't say her name without smiling and wanting to do more and be a better person. She helped shape me to be the strong Christian that I am today. She will be greatly missed and loved forever
Leigh Bolus-Kramer
October 19, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sister Adrian was truly a champion for everyone who lived in Scranton! I worked with her while I was at Marywood. What a joy! Thank you for always being a friend! God Bless you always!
Lois Lowry
October 19, 2015
Dear Marie and family:
My thought and prayers are with you at this time. May Sister Adrian RIP.
October 18, 2015
From 1970 until a few weeks ago we kept in touch my dear friend!Some of the shine has gone out of my world.Will miss you. Love, John and Olga Siddons, Claudia & Gabriel
Lynne White
October 17, 2015
God needed an angel in heaven so He called sister Adrian home. There's a warmth in my heart and Jesus is his name. There's a warmth in my heart he took away my pain. There's a warmth in my heart he died for you and me. Singing glory hallelujah Jesus is his name. There's a warmth in my heart and Jesus is his name. There's a warmth in my heart let's all rejoice his name. There's a warmth in my heart he died for you and me singing glory hallelujah Jesus is his name. God bless you sister sneakers I will miss you
October 16, 2015
Marie and extended Barrett family, we would both like to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of this saintly woman. She was a treasure that can never be duplicated. An amazing woman who did so much for others and our whole community. It was always such a pleasure to meet her. We were away and very sad we could not attend her viewing and funeral and to extend our personal sympathies to all of you wonderful people. She is certainly up there in Heaven with her parents and your dear brothers making everyone laugh. A very fine family indeed. Jean and Dick Walsh
Alvira Walton
October 15, 2015
Sister Adrian Barrett was the Mother Teresa of Scranton, PA. She will truly be missed but never ever forgotten. She has ran and finished her race. Her work was not in vain. Her crown and mansion is waiting for her. I can imagine the Lord telling her well done my faithful servant, because that she truly was.
JUDY Z.
October 14, 2015
BARB,KATE AND FAMILY:
WE CANNOT FEEL LIFE'S LOSSES WITHOUT FIRST FEELING THE BLESSINGS OF ITS FULLNESS. MEMORIES ARE THE LEGACY OF LOVE.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Mary Kohut
October 14, 2015
It was truly an honor to know Sister Adrian. She will be missed.
Melinda (missy) Hairston
October 14, 2015
Rest in peace Sister Andrian. You where always there for us at the Washington plaza, you never turn people away. You will be miss thank you for everything you did!!
Connie Perry
October 14, 2015
Rest in peace Sister Adrian, from one of your students of St. Joseph's in Williamsport.
Miriam Perales
October 14, 2015
May you rest in eternal peace.
Susan Butler Cantarella
October 14, 2015
Sister Adrian, Marie and their mother were wonderful neighbors on Webster Ave. Adrian was always caring and thoughtful in all she did for everyone she met. God Bless and prayers for Marie at this time of loss.
Urica Carver
October 14, 2015
I don't know a single person who's childhood memories you're not a part of. Thank you.
elizabeth francisco
October 13, 2015
You will be missed my condolences to the family
October 13, 2015
We enjoyed the time we had spent with Sister Adrian Barrett. She is a great inspiration!
Jim and Kathleen Thomas
Robert & Ceil Drake
October 13, 2015
We're so very sorry for your loss.She truly was one of the nicest person we ever met.Always willing to help all in need.She should have a saint named after her.cause in our eyes she truly was a saint to us.We miss her.May she rest in peace
October 13, 2015
We. Meet in 1949 when you taught me in school. We have many fond memories .For all the good works you did I am sure you are with The Lord . Friends forever till we meet again. Eternal rest my good sister God bless Biagio and Emma Jean Alan Dente fla.
Geraldine Naugle
October 13, 2015
She has helped me through many hard times. Rest in Peace Sister Adrian.
Ron Freeman
October 13, 2015
Matthew
25:40 "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." This is how she served, this is how she loved. She saw HIM in each and every one of HIS children. Having been a recipient of her Love was life changing. She had changed the lives of many through her generosity of spirit. She was truly a servant of her Beloved.
Peggy & Marty Fanning
October 13, 2015
We do not pray for her. we pray to her
Mark Eggerstorfer
October 13, 2015
Sister Adrian seemed to show up in my life when I least expected it. Having said that... whenever I ran into her she always knew who I was and asked how the family was. She was an inspiration to all those who knew her no matter what.
Our loss is Heaven's gain and now she'll live with the rest of the Saints until we meet again.
October 13, 2015
rip sister adrian
Gerry Kearney
October 13, 2015
My guardian angel and my biggest supporter. Your love and encouragement has made me the man I am today. I will miss you.
Mary Ann Kochanski
October 13, 2015
Dear Sister Adrian: I know you can read this in heaven, yes heaven, because God knows you deserve being there. Say hi to my Mom and Dad. Thank you for every thing you did on behalf of all the people that needed help finding a way to a better life.
Gail Shepard
October 13, 2015
The grandchildren of Dr Frank and Gertrude Ginley and children of Lois Ginley Hopkins send their prayers and love to Marie, the Barrett and Padden families. Sister Adrian was such a special gift to so many, we count ourselves so fortunate in having our family knowing her since birth.
Having seen the work she did for so many first hand, while attending Marywood, I can truly say she was an Angel.
May God hold her in the palm of his hand forever.
Gail Hopkins Shepard
HASSAN MAXWELL
October 13, 2015
GODS GIFT...YOU TOUCHED SO MANY!!R.I.P
Mary Burne
October 13, 2015
A true inspiration. Over the many years of Family to Family Sister taught me what the words "to give" truly meant. She is an Angel and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to Marie and the family.
diane altemose
October 13, 2015
Thank You Sister Adrian for helping me and our community
October 13, 2015
Rest in peace
You worked hard in life you will be remembered in death prayers to your family
Antanine Kane
October 13, 2015
My condolences to the Barrett family at the loss of a dear family member. Our loss is heaven's gain@
Chasity Mosser
October 13, 2015
Sister Adrian gave me the chance for two years working with wounderful girls at the summer camp she had taught me so much when it came to listening to my heart be my own person and not to worry because god will always be there for me. Thank so much sister sneakers. R.I.P. our angle
JOHN Moran
October 13, 2015
I WORKED WITH SR ADRIAN / FR. KELLY AND SO MANY OTHERS AT CAMP ST. ANDREW BACK IN HE EARLY 70'S. I WOULD TRAVEL UP ON THE BUSS WITH THE CHILDREN FROM HILLTOP, TAKE CARE OF THEM FOR THE DAY, AND RETRUN ON THE BUS WITH THEM AT THE END OF THE DAY. THIS WAS A TREMENDOUS LEARNING EXPERIENCE: TEACHING ME AND SO MAY OTHERS ABOUT HOW POVERTY IMPACTS PEOPLE AND ESPECIALLY CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF THE REASON, THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE HAVE TO CHANGE SYSTEMS WHICH ENCOURAGE POVERTY AND THE NEED TO REACH OUT IN SERVICE TO THOSE WHO ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE OF ITS VICTIMS. SHE INCARNATED HER FAITH AND HER VOWS AS A SISTER OF THE IHM THROUGH HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE, MAY HER EXAMPLE INSPIRE OTHERS TO JOIN HER CONGREGATION OR AT LEAST TO MIMIC HER DEDICATION.
Bobbye (Boccadori) Kopec
October 13, 2015
I graduated from Marywood University in 1979, and even then Sister M. Adrian Barrett's reputation was legendary. Bless her soul. Her life touched so many, and she lives on through them.
Nancy
October 13, 2015
Prayers for a wonderful woman who did so much for everyone R.I.P.
Gigi McKenna
October 13, 2015
Sr. Adrian instilled in her students the importance of caring for those in need. We were blessed to learn this lesson from her and more importantly we put it into action at St. Dominic HS. May she rest in peace. Gigi McKenna, St. Dom's Class of 77
Patricia Bifulco
October 13, 2015
She taught me in 9th grade at St. Dominic's. A wonderful teacher and role model. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord she loved and served so well.
Tom Edwards
October 13, 2015
Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do unto me. -- Well done, Sister A.
October 13, 2015
Special prayers for the survivors of Sister Adrian; especially Marie. May the Compassionate hearts of Jesus and Mary absorb your grief. God bless.
Sister Patricia Kelly, M.S.B.T.
Geri Rasmussen
October 13, 2015
Sister Adrian, such a remarkable example of God's love in action. May your legacy live as long as the love you shared with those who were lucky enough to be blessed by your caring giving ways. Fly high sweet lady.
Amanda McIver
October 13, 2015
We have lost an angel! Sr. Adrian was one of the sweetest, loving and caring women I have ever met. Fly high, Sr. Adrian. We will all miss you so very much. Thank you for all that you have done for our community and for our families.
Fran Spinelli Bartocci
October 13, 2015
To my old buddy, you always told me I was your first friend in Scranton, and at the age of 15, that made me a very BUSY person LOL since you didn't yet have the thousands of people in the "Sister Adrian Army" to call upon when you needed something. We had so many wonderful memories from Camp St Andrew, especially the first year when it was really a labor of love for all of us who worked there. I used to love it when the bus driver would tell me that he was NOT taking all of those kids on the bus, and I was telling him that I was not leaving any of them behind, and he was insistent until I got you on the phone, and the next thing you know we were all riding to camp LOL You were a part of my wedding and you were at my mom's funeral mass. She loved you and used to keep the canceled checks with your signature on them, from her donations to The Friends of the Poor because she said you were going to be a saint someday, I still have them, and whether that is true is yet to be seen, but you have always been a saint to those of us who have known and loved you. Rest in peace my friend, the world is a much sadder place for me today without you in it. I love you.
Joanne & Keith Dodgson
October 13, 2015
I worked with Sr Adrian for ten fantastic years. She was truly a spectacular person. My husband and I will miss her. God bless her and all the wonderful women of the IHM Congregation.
frankie allen
October 13, 2015
She was a friend to all and loved by many. Once you got to know her you never forgot her. thank you Sister Adrian for everything that you did and gave.
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