Sister Barbara McLean

Sister Barbara (formerly Sister M. St. John) McLean, 84, a Sister of Mercy for 64 years, died 12/8/2023 with the loving vigilance of family and friends at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, New Hampshire. A native of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Allan and Mildred (DeGrenier) McLean.

Sister Barbara held a B.A. in education from Mount St. Mary College in Hooksett, New Hampshire, and an M.A. in administrative education from Boston University. For over 40 years Sister Barbara taught and served as an administrator in New Hampshire Schools - ten years as a teacher at Holy Trinity Elementary School in Somersworth, seven years as principal at St. Patrick Elementary School in Portsmouth, and twenty-six years as principal at St. Joseph Junior High School in Manchester. She was a creative and forward-looking educator.

In addition to education, Sister Barbara was involved in several community endeavors: the Rockingham County Human Services Coordinating Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast, New England League of Middle Schools Diocesan Committee for the study of the future of Catholic Education, and the National Catholic Educational Accreditation (NCEA). In her commitment to the Sisters of Mercy she served on the New Membership Team, Education Board, and Sister Formation Program.

In 1974 Sister Barbara received an Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America Award, in 1993 she was listed in Who's Who Award for Principals, and in 2002 Sister Barbara received an Education Excellence Award from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

In retirement years, Sister Barbara remained active in supporting education through the Mercy Northeast Sponsors Council and mentoring new teachers and principals. In over 43 years in education and 64 years of commitment as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Barbara empowered countless students and shared graciously and generously her educational and leadership skills in many personal and professional circles. Sister Barbara shared the joy of her love of dogs; at St. Joseph Junior High School, to the delight of the students and faculty, "Buddy" would walk the corridors, accompany students, and visit offices and classrooms.

Sister Barbara is survived by members of her Mercy Community and her sisters Frances Ballam and Janet McAdams and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Rita Hannon.

Friends may call at the Warde Senior Living Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, New Hampshire on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 10:00 -11:00AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, in the chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864-1124, and online at www.sistersofmercy.org. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, New Hampshire. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087.