Sister Mary Barbara Droski
Born to earthly life: December 29, 1917
Religious profession: August 3, 1937
Entered eternal Life: January 18, 2011
School Sister of Notre Dame, Mary Barbara Droski died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove on January 18, 2011 at the age of 93.
Sister Mary Barbara, baptized with the name of Martha, was born on December 29, 1917, into a very closely knit Polish family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She had three brothers and four sisters, two of whom also entered SSND. Both Sisters Mary Blanda and Mary Jolantha preceded her in death.
After graduating from ninth grade at St. Adalbert School, Sister Barbara entered the candidature at age 15 and was professed, along with her sister Louise, in 1937.
She spent the first half of her teaching career in grade school and then moved on to high school. She was an excellent, exacting, and enthusiastic teacher who loved history. She was always grateful for the traveling she was able to do—it helped make her classes more alive. In a 1972 letter, she vividly described her adventures of living on the island of Guam, “the paradise of the Pacific,” where she spent two years at Notre Dame High.
Sister Barbara lived her life as an SSND for 74 years. She developed a great love for Mother Caroline Friess in her later years, while, as a young teacher, she shared her devotion to St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, with her students. (One of those students, Sister Marie Thérèse Nowakowski, credits the choice of her religious name to Sister Barbara’s influence.)
Those who cared for Sister Barbara found her bright, witty, and alert to the very end. One person recalled how Sister loved to wear her Santa Claus cap that had the word “naughty” on it. Since Sister Barbara watched the news faithfully, she was very aware of what was happening in the world. According to Sister Phyllis Marie Grzeczka, who delivered the eulogy, she and Barbara enjoyed some great conversations. Singing Polish Christmas carols together was also a special part of their visits.
Very proud of her Polish heritage, Sister Barbara most surely smiled at the singing of a favorite Polish carol at the conclusion of the eulogy.
– Sister Dorothy Land
Sister Barbara received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and minors in history and social science from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis.; a Master of Arts in modern European history from St. Louis University, Mo.; and a Master of Arts in religious education from the University of Detroit, Mich. She ministered in education for 40 years, primarily in high schools where she taught history, English and religion. When she left teaching in 1978, she shared her gifts with the community as SSND historian. In 1997, she retired to the Notre Dame of Elm Grove Community where she served through her prayers and presence.
Sister Barbara’s ministry locations included:
- St. Casimir, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. George, Kenosha, Wis.
- SS. Cyril and Methodius, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Messmer High School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- West Catholic High School, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Notre Dame High School, Talofofo, Guam
- Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, Wis.
- St. Isidore, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Mary Barbara Droski, died at Notre Dame of Elm Grove on January 18, 2011, age 93. Survived by her sisters, Lorraine Antor and Celine Tomasunas, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service was celebrated January 20, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at The Holy Family Chapel at Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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