Gorham, Sister Barbara (Sister Barbara Michael), a beloved Sister of Charity, Halifax for 65 years, entered peacefully into eternal life with her God on August 13, 2024 at Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley, MA. Sister Barbara was born in Dorchester, MA, the only daughter of the late Mary (Sullivan) Gorham and Mark Gorham. Along with her parents, Sister Barbara was predeceased by her five brothers, John and his wife Roberta (Chickie), Mark and his wife, Mary, Patrick and his wife Jean, Edward and his wife Ellen, and Festy and his wife Frannie. Sister Barbara leaves a large and loving family including many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, a dear family friend, Irene Denaro and her Sisters throughout the Congregation. Sister Barbara’s ministry was centered in education, as a teacher and then a guidance counselor. She spent several years at Saint Michael’s School in North Andover, MA and then at the former Saint Mary’s School in Randolph, MA. In the early 1970’s Sister Barbara was missioned to Saint Patrick’s School where she served as a teacher, counselor and tutor and in the parish for 49 years. During those years, she spent some time as a member of the Novitiate Community of the Sisters of Charity in the Boston area. Sister Barbara planned to retire just a year before the close of the Saint Patrick’s School when in 2019 illness necessitated a move to Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley, MA. Sister Barbara’s energy, spirit and loving presence filled the lives of her students, their families and the parish community. Her gifts were not limited to the classroom. She coordinated before and after school programs with other sisters and coworkers and provided a gentle, listening ear to anyone who needed to share their struggles. She taught religious education in the parish and took on some of the little details at the church that make a parish work well. Known for orchestrating the Saint Patrick’s School Bazaar each year at the IBEW Hall in Dorchester, she drew crowds from near and far. Saint Patrick’s became the heartbeat of Sister Barbara’s life as she continually gave joyful witness to God’s love. Funeral Services for Sister Barbara Gorham, SC will include a Vigil Service at Saint Patrick Church, 10 Magazine Street, Roxbury, MA from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. A Wake will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Mount Saint Vincent, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA at 9:30 AM followed by a Prayer Service at 10:15 AM and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:45 AM. Interment will take place at Saint Mary Cemetery, Needham, MA immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Barbara’s may be made to the Sisters of Charity Retirement Center, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 or Saint Patrick’s Parish, 10 Magazine Street
Roxbury MA 02119-2706.