Marlborough – Sister Barbara Flynn (Sr. M. Robert of Citeaux) (88), a Sister of St. Anne, died December 13 at Alliance Health Care at Marie Esther Center. Born in Worcester MA, she was the only child of Robert and Kathryn (Cahill) Flynn.
She graduated from Worcester’s North High. She attended Anna Maria College and earned a BA degree in English. Her decision made, she joined the Sisters of St. Anne in Marlborough and pronounced vows.
For the next 21 years, Sister Barbara was a popular and outstanding high school teacher at the now former Holy Name High and Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester, at the former St.-Jean-Baptiste High in Lynn, MA and at the former St. Ann Academy in Marlborough. During this time, she earned an MA degree in English at Boston College. Her final formal years in a classroom were spent as an Assistant Professor of English at Anna Maria College. At the same time, she lived as a Resident Advisor.
In 1975, she was accepted into the first master’s degree program in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University in NE for training as an Ignatian Spirituality Director. This began a 35-year ministry in spirituality companioning men and women in spiritual direction, preaching retreats, conferences, and faith formation programs.
In response to the Appalachian Pastoral Letter, “This Land is Home to me,” she accepted a call to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, WV and spent five years in diocesan pastoral centers in a variety of roles.
Sister Barbara returned to Massachusetts and became a pastoral associate and campus minister at St. Anne University parish in Back Bay Boston.
Not to be overlooked are her years of ministry and service in the MA area as a long-term trustee of Anna Maria College, as an active member of countless Worcester diocesan committees, a lifelong learner who remained a dedicated participant in her religious Congregation. A faithful and prayerful vowed religious woman for more than 60 years, her written reflections, her commitment to the congregation and her shared insights at meetings, events and discussions were insightful, progressive, and inclusive.
In these last years of active ministry, Sister Barbara continued the ministry she loves: the companioning of people, lay and vowed religious men and women as they ‘seek the Holy’’ in their lives.
In addition to her cherished religious family of the Sisters of St. Anne, Sr. Barbara leaves to grieve her friend, like a sister, Judy Plante and her family, as well as her many friends, colleagues and former students.
Visitation from 10:00-10:30 am and Funeral liturgy at 10:45 am will be held on Thursday, December 16 in the Chapel at 720 Boston Post Road East in Marlborough and will be followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street. Masking is required and to enter the building, Covid testing will be required so please plan extra time prior to the viewing and services.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough.
