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Sr. Ellen Therese Barrett

Ellen Barrett Obituary

Barrett, Sr. Ellen Therese Sister Ellen Therese Barrett, 79, a member of The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died November 13, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sister Ellen was the daughter of the late Miles and Mary Ellen Barrett, sister of the late Ambrose (the late Mary) Barrett and the late Sister Bertilla Barrett, BVM. She is survived by her three sisters Mary (Bob) Jorgensen, of Sioux City, IA, Elizabeth (the late Lou) Hirschman of Lincoln, NE, and Dolores (Don) Kramper of Dakota City, NE. "Aunt Katie" will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews. Sister Ellen had taught in Chicago, IL, Kansas City, MO, Glendale, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. Sister Ellen had served in Milwaukee as teacher, principal, and in pastoral care at Holy Rosary and Three Holy Women Parish. The presence of Sister Ellen will be missed by her loving and devoted friends, Sister Betty Steiner, Father Tim Kitzke, her extended family, the members of her Community, and the untold number of those whom she has served on the east side of Milwaukee over the last forty years. Visitation 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 15 and at the Church on Friday, Nov. 16 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM. Prayer service on Thursday will be at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday at Three Holy Women Parish - Holy Rosary Church, 2011 N. Oakland Ave. Private interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Sisters of Charity, BVM, Three Holy Women Legacy Fund, or the charity of your choice. SUMINSKI FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES Suminski / Weiss 1901 N. Farwell Ave. (414) 276-5122

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Barrett

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Robert Janik

August 6, 2021

Thanks, Sister Ellen, for putting up with me in 8th grade.

Bob Janik
Holy Rosary
Class of 1965

Michael Bruce

December 12, 2007

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sister Ellen. There are those special people that change not only the direction, but also the content of our lives. To me, that was Sister Ellen. Twenty-one years ago, she took a chance and gave me the opportunity to begin my teaching career at Catholic East Elementary. Though I was only there for a short while, the memories remain close to my heart. I still tell students, Family, and friends about the wonderful experience I had at this special school. Sister Ellen served as my mentor and role model, educating me both in the ways of teaching and the ways of life. I would like to believe that she would be proud of the teacher that I have become. From her infectious smile and sense of humor, to her tremendous energy and wisdom, Sister Ellen’s influence remains far reaching. She had a way about her that made those around her simply feel at home. She gave a Toast at our wedding that remains dear to both my wife and me. Though my time in her company was limited, her impact upon me is everlasting. I feel very fortunate and honored to be one of the people whose life was forever changed by Sister Ellen. Thank You for everything!

Rachel Lanke-Mueller Class of '79

November 20, 2007

Sister Ellen has a very special place in the hearts of all Holy Rosary graduates. She was patient, understanding, a gifted educator, and an inspiration to us all. Her positive energy and beautiful smile were uplifting. None of us will ever forget how to diagram a sentence!
We love you and will never for get you.

LuVerda Sayles Martin

November 19, 2007

Our family is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our beloved Sr. Ellen.
She was a major influence on our lives from our first educational steps at Holy Rosary.
Under the guidance of Sr. Ellen and Sr. Betty, we learned to love each other, strive for excellence, and to maintain an appetite for knowledge and truth.
Her legacy speaks for itself - she welcomed us with hugs, strenghtened us with discipline, and never hesitated to push us to our full potential.
Sr. Ellen taught us to embrace and appreciate our differences long before this was trendy.
We will forever cherish her memory and her lessons.
Respectfully,
The Dr. Wallace Cheatham and Stephen Sayles families
Stephen Sayles- Holy Rosary 1983
Tosca Cheatham- Catholic East 1986
Kimberly Cheatham and LuVerda (Sayles) Martin - Catholic East 1987

Michelle Bugler

November 16, 2007

Sister Ellen was a true inspiration for us all!She had a way of always making one feel welcome,and important.I will forever remember her always being there whenever I needed encouragement,or a kind word!You made my years at Holy Rosary truly enlightening.Sister Elizabeth,I am truly sorry for your loss of your wonderful friend!You are in my prayers.Take good care,and GOD BLESS you all.

Michelle Y. Bugler
Holy Rosary Class of 1980

Mary Quirk-Thompson

November 16, 2007

I only met Sr. Ellen once but planned to attend her funeral. I had a BVM aunt Sr. Mary Richardine Quirk and would often go to BVM related funerals in Milwaukee and mention that I was stopping in for my aunt. I was not able to attend the funeral but I just read the wonderful tributes that were left in remembrance of Sr. Ellen.

She obviously was a remarkable woman. I offer my condolences to all of you for your loss.

Terri Balash

November 16, 2007

I love you Sister Ellen, and I will continue to hold you so close to my heart. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with me. You changed my life and I am forever grateful. You once told me that all the broken pieces in my life would one day come together--please continue to walk this journey with me, guide me--for I know you are always with me. All my Love, Terri Balash

Donna Strayer

November 15, 2007

It has been an honor to know Sr. Ellen. She had a knack for saying just the right thing. I will miss her warm and caring ways.

November 15, 2007

Sr. Ellen - You made such a difference in my life. You are a true inspiration and I will always remember you!
Andrea (File) Lewis
Class of '80

Rebecca (Pelton) Charlier

November 15, 2007

Sr. Ellen-a wonderful teacher of mine. Thanks for making Holy Rosary such a great school. (Class of '85)

Patricia and Melissa Sheridan

November 15, 2007

We've known Sister Ellen for almost three decades. She's been truly inspirational and supportive to us-Pat, Patti, Leah and Melissa. We will all truly miss her. She will always be in our hearts. -Patti Sheridan and Leah and Brian Gregg
I love Sister Ellen. She is a Saint.-Melissa Sheridan

Michele Bergemann

November 15, 2007

Sr. Ellen - I will always remember our talks and all the things you taught me. I will especially hold dear to my heart all the laughter we shared. I will miss you terribly. I love you, friend! Don't forget to give me that kiss on the cheek once in a while. God bless you! Michele

Sue Orcholski

November 15, 2007

Sr. Elizabeth,
My payers & deepest sympathies to you and Sr. Ellen's family. Sr. Ellen holds a special place with my family, the Pizzo's and the Orcholski's.

Sherry Schwamb

November 15, 2007

Sister Ellen is a woman ahead of her time-she will not be forgotten. She changed lives-I know she changed mine- She gave me encouragement and a good education-I had a dysfunctional family and Sister Ellen gave me skills for life , always a bit of philosophy not religious dogma, to ponder. She has touched the lives of thousands and I could never thank her enough- I just try to help others in her honor. I really admired this down to earth angel.
I think of her often and realize the legacy she left to me and others.
Thanks Sister Ellen
Sherry Schwamb
Holy Rosary
class of 1963

pamela mosehart

November 14, 2007

You made a huge difference in my life by showing me that there are certain people who always believe in you no matter what! Thank you for always caring!

mark schmidt

November 14, 2007

Sr. Ellen- I will remember always how you would make bad day into a good day. Your compassion for life and your dedication is secon to none.You will be missed by every one who new you. Please pray for us.

Donald Greco (Holy Rosary '79)

November 14, 2007

Sister Ellen was a great servant of God, educator and friend who would never gave up on you despite early failures. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

May the good Lord welcome you into his loving arms.

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