Dominican Sister of Peace Barbara Kolesar, OP, (85), born in Bergholz, OH, died on Tuesday, November 11 at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH.
Barbara was born in 1940 to Mary Skolosh and John Kolesar. She entered the community in 1958, made first profession in 1960, and took her final vows in 1965. Barbara was celebrating her 65th Jubilee this year.
Sr. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Mary of the Springs College (now Ohio Dominican University), Columbus, OH; and her Masters in Reading Education from the University of Dayton, OH.
For nearly four decades, she taught first and second graders in Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio—loving every moment of helping little ones learn and preparing them for their First Communion. After many years in the classroom, she entered a new chapter in pastoral ministry as Pastoral Assistant at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Columbus, OH. For twenty years, she became a steady source of support for four pastors and served as sacristan for every Mass. She also coordinated adult and children’s faith formation, sacramental prep, senior ministries, and liturgical ministries.
Parishioners often said, “If you needed something done, you went to Barbara.” She embraced every responsibility with joy, sharing, “I really enjoy ministering to the people of God every day. I foster the common good in living as I know God wants me to live.”
In the words of Our Lady of Peace Parish: “At every daily and weekend Mass, Sr. Barbara could be seen in the front pew in her signature white suit and red shoes. With her gentle spirit, warm smile, humor, and generosity, she helped shape our parish and school into the welcoming community we are today. Her contributions could never be overstated.”
Sister Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Father John.
The wake took place on Monday, November 24 with Evening Prayer and a Sharing of Memories in the Chapel at the Columbus Motherhouse. On Tuesday, November 25, visitation was held at Our Lady of Peace Church, followed by the Mass of Resurrection. Burial took place afterward at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial gifts in Sister Barbara’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.
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