Sister Lois Ann Barton, CSJ, 73

Sister Lois Ann Barton, CSJ, 73, died Aug. 25 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, Mass.

Sister Lois was born in Newton, Mass., on May 8, 1948, the daughter of Mary Cavanaugh Barton and John Peter Barton. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph for 54 years. After graduating from St. John’s Catholic Academy in Syracuse, Sister Lois entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on Sept. 15, 1966 and professed her final vows on Aug. 4, 1974.

Sister Lois completed her bachelor’s in French at The College of Saint Rose and her master’s from Middlebury College. She also studied French at Laval University in Quebec. As her ministries grew more varied, Sister Lois completed numerous certificate programs, aided by her great love of reading.

Sister Lois spent her entire ministerial life in the Binghamton area, first as a high-school teacher of French and later as director of new members for the Sisters of St. Joseph, followed by service as director of religious education for several parishes. The Diocese of Syracuse then appointed her head of the Southern Region, overseeing parishes and faith-formation opportunities.

For nearly 40 years, Sister Lois lived in community at The Spiritual Center, a retreat and renewal center in Windsor. In 2013, Lois realized a dream of many years, founding The Sophia Center for Spirituality in Binghamton.

Sister Lois is survived by her sister, Paula Barton, and her brother, John (Debbie) Barton, a multitude of loving relatives and friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph, who will miss her radiant presence dearly. In particular, she will be missed by her faithful, local CSJ community of Sisters Elizabeth Newell, Susan Reschke and Paula Browne.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham on Sept. 3. Contributions in Sister Lois’ memory may be made to The Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.