Obituary of Sister Barbara Duncovich, CSJ

Sister Barbara Duncovich, CSJ (Sister Bernard Frances), 91, died on Monday, February 20, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 71 years. Sister Barbara was born on August 26, 1925 in Amsterdam, NY, daughter of the late Arthur and Frances Swart Duncovich. After graduating from W.H. Lynch Senior High School, she worked for Collette & Chalmers Knitting Mill. On March 19, 1945, Sister Barbara entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, NY, and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1950. She graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing, Amsterdam, and later received a bachelor’s degree in science, a master’s degree in education/biology and a master’s degree in psychology, all from The College of Saint Rose. Sister Barbara taught for 47 years in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses and in Hopedale, MA. She also was a literacy volunteer and a reader for the RISE Radio Service for the Blind. Sister Barbara was a teacher who challenged, inspired and pushed her science students to reach their full potential. Her dedication, work ethic and passion for the subject earned Sister Barbara respect and admiration as she tried to connect integrated science to real-world experiences. She delighted in visiting with former students and observing the ways in which they had developed, matured and succeeded. Until her eyesight failed, Sister Barbara had a keen interest in educating herself in scientific developments and news, especially regarding the “New Story” of the universe. Sister Barbara was a cherished aunt, a devoted colleague and a beloved Sister of St. Joseph. Sister Barbara is survived by her nieces and nephews, Mark and Paul Duncovich, David Walsh, Mary Hogge, Margaret Walsh and Beth Thorne; her dear friends, Dorothy Hicks, Lisa Novak and Gerry Finn; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Richard Duncovich; by her sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Hugh Walsh; and by her niece, Ellen Kishbaugh. Sister Barbara’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. from the chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Thursday, February 23, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Barbara’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.