Sister Barbara Schamber
February 12, 1943 - March 23, 2025
Obituary
Sister Barbara Rose
Barbara Schamber, SP
( Sister Barbara Rose)
Sr. Barbara Rose Schamber died on March 23, 2025, at her home in Olympia, Wash., at 82 years of age, after 62 years as a Sister of Providence. Vigil Service: Friday, April 11, 2025, 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle, Wash. Funeral Mass: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 7000 35th Ave SW, Seattle, Wash. Viewing at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, Wash., at 2:00 p.m. Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, Seattle, Wash., is in charge of the arrangements.
Sr. Barbara was born on February 12, 1943, in Chicago to Joseph and Hildegarde Schamber. She grew up with an older brother, Joseph, and younger brother, Thomas, in a welcoming, faith-filled home surrounded by love and warmth. As a young teenager, her family moved from Chicago to California where she attended Providence High School in Burbank, Calif. There she met the Sisters of Providence and her journey to join the community began. The theme of “I will celebrate God’s love forever,” permeated her call as a Sister of Providence. She entered the Community in 1961, became a Novice in 1962 and professed First Vows in 1964 and Final Vows in 1971.
Her academic accomplishments included a B.A. in Social Science from Seattle University in 1966 and a master’s in educational administration from Central Washington University in 1977.
Sr. Barbara always felt drawn toward teaching of young children. She ministered as a primary school teacher at Holy Family School, Seattle (1966-69), St. Joseph School, Vancouver, Wash. (1969-73), and St. Finbar School, Burbank (1974-76). After her initial teaching assignments, Sr. Barbara’s ministries were in leadership roles. She became the principal of Providence Montessori School, Portland, Ore. (1977-85).
In 1985, she was called by her religious community to serve in leadership as provincial superior (1985-91). After completing this ministry, she was missioned as principal of St. Elisabeth School, Van Nuys, Calif. (1992-99). In 2000, Sr. Barbara was called again by her religious community to serve as Provincial Leader (2000-04). In 2010, Sr. Barbara was called to serve as one of the first sponsors of the newly formed Providence Ministries (2010-19). In 2020, she again served as provincial leader of her religious community (2020-2024). She was also an active member of many other affiliated organizations.
Sr. Barbara’s book, Gifts of Water and Mountains: The Sisters of Providence in the West 1856-2006, was published in 2024. The work tells the story of how the Sisters first came to the Oregon Territory and carried on their mission for 150 years.
Sr. Barbara was grateful for her religious community and loved being a Sister of Providence. She felt blessed by the gift of her family, and by those she had the pleasure of sharing ministries and friendships. She will be remembered for her immense kindness and intellect, and for her selfless caring, support and love for others. She will be greatly missed.
Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her brothers Joseph and Thomas Schamber, sisters-in-laws, Elizabeth Schamber and Magda Schamber, many nieces, nephews, and her religious community.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, Wash. 98057-9016.