Barbara Keane (right) received the Educating for Life Award in 2024 at the Chicago Friends' Appreciation Mass and Dinner. The Sisters were delighted to recognize Barb for her dedication to the Sisters and their mission to educate those in need all around the world. Pictured left is Barb's classmate, Betty Rogoz Przybylo.
Barbara Keane of Lombard, Illinois, has a long and meaningful history with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. An alumna of Notre Dame High School for Girls in Chicago, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1967, after Vatican II—a time when religious congregations were asked by the Vatican to engage in a serious renewal of their life in the Church in the modern world.
"One of my fondest memories is my first Christmas as a Postulant," she shares. "We went to bed early Christmas Eve and were suddenly awakened by a very loud recording of 'Joy to the World' throughout the dormitory to get ready for Midnight Mass."
With a degree in education, Barbara taught in Notre Dame schools in Dayton, Ohio, and Chicago. Later, she transitioned to the finance field after earning a master's degree. After 24 years and serious discernment, Barbara was released from her vows to pursue God's calling in a whole new direction.
"It was a very difficult decision to leave this group of wonderful women with whom I made many beautiful friendships and who helped shape the person I am today," she says. "I was stepping out into an unknown future, but it was the right decision."
After marrying her husband John, Barbara renewed her connection with the Sisters as an Associate. Associates deepen their relationship with God through a life of prayer and meet with other Associates who share the charism and spirituality of St. Julie.
"I was thrilled as it was a way to still be formally connected to the Sisters," she shares.
In addition to being an Associate, Barbara participates in the Live The Good volunteer program and supports the ministries of the Sisters financially, as she is able. She is also active in her parish and is a long-time Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Minister of Care to the sick and the homebound.
"I would like to be remembered as a faithful, dependable, kind, and generous servant of God who tried each day, nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, to give of my best self in faithful love to whatever the day held for me, generously sharing with others the abundant blessings God has so generously given to me."
Sixty years after she first met the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and committed herself to their mission, Barbara reflects on their influence:
"The inner strength I developed in my days in the convent helped me handle the difficult and challenging situations in life," she shares. "My faith and God’s ever-faithful love and goodness helped me through a very dark period. My relationship with the Sisters has helped me be faithful and generous in offering my life in service to God’s people."
First published in the 2024 Annual Report, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Ohio Province. Sign up to receive a copy in the mail.