Sister Barbara Marie Sloan, SND
April 5, 1940 - May 1, 2025
If metaphors could characterize a life, the words "light" and "salt" may describe Sister Barbara Marie Sloan (formerly Sister Mary Loyol). Born on April 5, 1940, and raised on George Street in Toledo with three brothers and one sister. Barbara attended St. Mary School and then Notre Dame Academy where in her sophomore year she became an Aspirant of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Throughout her 85 years of life and 65 years of religious profession Sister Barbara seemed intent on being a true disciple, one who is light and salt (Mt. 5:13-16).
Sister empowered children with the light of truth extending over 45 years and four states: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Carmel, Indiana (1969-1976); St. Joseph School in Erie, Michigan (1969-1979 as a teacher and 1979-1985 as a principal and teacher); and Holy Rosary School in Jacksonville, Florida (1987-1994). In Jacksonville and Carmel she was a pioneer, glad to serve wherever she was missioned, even when it meant being away from family and friends. Her ministries in Ohio include: St. John, Delphos; St. Wendelin, Fostoria; St. Augustine, Napoleon; St. Mary, Sandusky; St. Richard, Swanton; and St. James, St. Ann, Gesu, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Catherine of Siena schools in Toledo. As a teacher and principal Sister's easy-going personality and ready smile endeared her to pupils, parents, and co-teachers. Sister was also an instructional assistant at All Saints, Rossford. From 2009-2015 Sister was the associate director of Generations of Faith for the St. Mary and St. John Parishes in Defiance where she also coordinated sacramental programs. In whatever capacity Sister illumined the task with her love of life and friendship.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Walter and Alice (Boes) Sloan; and brothers, Robert (Jean) Patton, Jerry (Judy) Sloan, and Chuck Sloan who died at age 12. She is survived by her sister Cathy (Joe) Petersberger; nephews, Joe (Karen) Petersberger, Ken (Kate) Petersberger; and great-nephew Matthew Petersberger. May her light continue to shine and her spirit add flavor as she basks in God's light for all eternity.
Services will be at the Sisters of Notre Dame Center at 5900 Davis Road, Whitehouse, OH, on Thursday, May 8 with Welcome and Sharing of Memories at 2:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 4:15 p.m. when the eulogy will be read. The funeral liturgy will begin at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be Friday, May 9 at Resurrection Cemetery, Toledo. Arrangements are entrusted to the Urbanski Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road,
Toledo, OH. Any tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 1656 Henthorne Drive, Suite 200,
Maumee, OH 43537.
www.urbanskifuneralhome.com
Published by The Blade on May 4, 2025.