PORTLAND – Sister Barbara Ann Brennan, R.S.M., 83, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by her Sisters in Community. Sister Barbara was born in Portland to John Joseph Brennan and Catherine Josephine Mulkern, the youngest of eight children. Her parents, born in Ireland, shared all things Irish within their family.

Sister Barbara graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Portland, in 1956 and entered the Sister of Mercy in the Fall. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish. She also obtained her M.S. in Education from the University of Southern Maine, Portland.

For much of her religious life, Sister Barbara was faithful in serving in the ministry of education as Principal and Teacher in the following schools: St. Athanasius, Rumford; Cathedral Elementary, Portland; St. Mary’s, Biddeford; St. Joseph’s, Portland; St. Mary’s, Bangor; St. Patrick’s, Portland and St. Mary’s, Augusta.

In addition to her years in education, Sister Barbara enjoyed several other ministries. Her versatile nature took her to the Bahamas where she was a pioneer in developing the Mission in the South Andros area before they had water and electricity. She also spent some time as a Unit Coordinator at Mercy Hospital, Portland; Resident Service Coordinator at Deering Pavilion, Portland; Assistant Librarian at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish; and she also spent a summer ministering to the needs in a “Holler” in Appalachia.

Sister Barbara served on the Boards of Mercy Hospital, McAuley High School and on the Sisters of Mercy Sponsorship Council.

Everyone who knew Sister Barbara, knew of her love and devotion to her family. She enjoyed being with them at formal or informal gatherings. Some of her fondest memories were her trips to Ireland with her family and discovering her Irish roots.

Sister Barbara had many interests some of which were following the Red Sox and Patriots games, enjoying them most when they won! Sister Barbara also enjoyed entertaining guests and sharing hospitality with them.

By selecting her motto, “Jesus was silent,” Sister Barbara reflects her personality and her fondness for quiet reflection. It was during her brief illness that she expressed, “I’ve never felt so close to God.”

In addition to her parents, Sister Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, John, James, Paul, Francis Brennan; and her sister, Kathleen Brennan.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Toker, Bethsaida, Md.; and her brother, former Governor Joseph E. Brennan and his wife, Connie, Portland; and her sister-in-law, Merrylyn Brennan, Miss.. Also, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 18, from 3-6:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday, August 19, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, with The Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as principal celebrant. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

To view the livestream of the Prayer Service and Mass, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ConroyTullyWalker

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:

Sisters of Mercy

966 Riverside Street

Portland, ME 04103