M. SISTER

Dominican Sister M. Barbara Freisen the former Florence A. Freisen died at the age of 78 on Monday May 11 2009 at Regina Health Center Richfield OH after a long illness. She is the daughter of the late Henry and Barbara Freisen. Sister Barbara entered Our Lady of the Elms Convent Akron from Youngstown St. Dominic Parish on August 30 1948. As a young sister she was an assistant at Our Lady of the Elms Preschool. After receiving her LPN from St. Joseph Hospital Lorain in 1957 she worked in nursing for eight years in the Elms Infirmary. Later she attended and graduated from the University of Akron with a BSE in 1974 and taught at Our Lady of the Elms Special Education School from 1975-83. Sister Barbara did community service at the Elms Motherhouse. Because of illness she was transferred to Regina Health Center in January 2006. Sister Barbara is survived by sisters Ann Koczwara of Poland OH Jane Mingo of Campbell OH and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Thomas. Calling hours will be held at Our Lady of the Elms Convent 1230 W. Market St. Akron on Wednesday May 13 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be in the Elms Chapel on Thursday May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Peace Retirement Fund.