Sr. Barbara Schamber, SP, devoted her entire life to the mission of the Sisters of Providence. She was a gifted and compassionate person who tirelessly served her community and the Church while embodying the virtues of humility, simplicity and charity.
She took an active and engaging interest in nearly everyone she met. Her goal was not mere politeness, but a genuine desire to get to know people and to appreciate their lives.
Sr. Barbara was the second of three children born to Joseph and Hildegarde Schamber in Chicago. Her brother, Joe, was five years older and her brother, Tom, was fourteen years younger. When she was a sophomore, her parents decided to leave the cold Chicago winters and move to warm Sun Valley, California. She enrolled in the newly established Providence High School, Burbank, California, and was introduced to the Sisters of Providence.
During high school, Sr. Barbara was influenced by many sisters, especially Srs. Lauretta Frawley, Rachel Hofmeister, Rebecca Berghoff, Mary Gleason and Margaret of Jesus. During their senior year, three students – Barbara along with Mary Alice Miller and Peggy Crawford – decided that they wanted to enter the Providence community. They dubbed themselves the “SP Trio.” (Sr. Mary Alice is still with the community.)
Sr. Barbara became a novice in August 1962 and professed first temporary vows in August 1964. She professed perpetual vows in August 1971.
Her desire to teach young children led her to Holy Family School in White Center, Washington, and later to St. Joseph School in Vancouver, Washington, and St. Finbar School in Burbank. She served as principal of St. Elizabeth in Van Nuys, California, and the Montessori School at Providence Child Center in Portland.
Sr. Barbara’s joy and delight in teaching first graders made it one of her favorite ministries. She loved the excitement and eagerness that children of that age had for learning.
Her leadership role in the community began in earnest when she became provincial superior of Sacred Heart Province in 1985.
She was central to the formation of the new Mother Joseph Province, leading a team to form one cohesive entity. She was the first and the last leader of the province, serving terms in 2000-04 and 2020-24. She helped guide the community into the current Journey to Oneness and the new governance structure for the Congregation.
For Sr. Barbara, leadership was not just about managing. It was about connecting with people – Sisters, staff, volunteers, collaborators and others. She learned about their lives and those of their family. She would remember important events or be there when anyone was celebrating or suffering. She was always on time for any event.
Her dedication to the community and education was demonstrated once again when she began to be more involved in the health care ministry.
Sr. Barbara’s tenure included chairing the Board of Directors for the Sisters of Providence Health Care Corporation (1985-1991) and serving on the Board of Directors for the Sisters of Providence Health System (1997-2000).
She was instrumental in the formation of the sponsorship model for Providence Ministry in 2010 and in drafting the Hopes and Aspiration document which still guides the Providence St. Joseph Health System. As one of the first sponsors, she dedicated herself to nurturing a ministry in which laity and religious work together. Along with others, she set the model for how the sponsorship system functions in today’s Catholic health care environment.
Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, such as the onset of the Covid pandemic, Sr. Barbara’s leadership remained steadfast. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace new methods, like participating in video calls, showcased her resilience and commitment. Despite physical barriers, she continued to connect with the Sisters, offering prayer, laughter and support. She made every effort to ensure the bonds of the community remained unbroken.
“There have certainly been many people who have touched me deeply, both Sisters of Providence as well as lay people with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working,” Sr. Barbara once said while reflecting on her vocation. “There have been joys, there have been sorrows, but there has always been that deep call of desiring to be a Sister of Providence in the Church in whatever transition form that takes. Prayer, the Eucharist and Reconciliation have been a great source of strength in my faith development as well as the example of many great Sisters of Providence who have been inspirational to me in both my ministry and in my life of community and prayer.”
Sr. Barbara brought the joy and love of our Provident God to the world.
