Sr. Barbara Lusnak, Osu

Throughout her 54 years in the congregation Sister Barbara Lusnak (formerly Sister Ann Joachim) tended to the minds, bodies, and spirits of those in her care. The quiet and gentle teacher, nurse and spiritual companion died April 30 at Regina Health Center (RHC) where she had been convalescing for almost a year following a cancer diagnosis. She was just two weeks short of her 75th birthday.

Barbara Ann Lusnak, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dydek) Lusnak, was born May 15, 1940, in Cleveland. The 1958 Villa Angela Academy graduate joined the Ursuline congregation in 1959 from St. Paul Parish in Euclid. She professed final vows in 1967.

Sister Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College, then went on to pursue studies in nursing, earning an R.N. certificate at St. Alexis Hospital School of Nursing, a bachelor’s in nursing from Ursuline College, and a master’s in mental health nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

She began her ministry career as a classroom teacher with assignments at Our Lady of Peace and St. Malachi schools in Cleveland and at St. Ann School, Cleveland Heights.

In 1969, with permission to pursue her dream of a career in nursing, Sister Barbara began studies while serving in the Ursulines’ infirmary caring for the elderly and infirm sisters. She also served two years at St. Luke’s Hospital. Finally, upon completion of her master’s study, Sister Barbara was assigned to serve in the nursing division at Ursuline College and in 1986 was appointed its Dean of Nursing.

At the conclusion of her college service Sister Barbara participated in a sabbatical program which invited the next turn in her journey. With the luxury of time to focus on her own spiritual growth and with exposure to diverse prayer forms and a variety of spiritualties, Sister Barbara discerned yet another call to ministry. Following training from the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, Sister Barbara began a ministry in spiritual companioning. She ministered in that capacity through the former Ursuline Sophia Center and, since 2006, in private practice. Even in the midst of her cancer battle, Sister Barbara continued her ministry, welcoming her directees at Regina Health Center and even taking on new clients.

She and her community at the motherhouse were granted a last gift when, on April 5, she was discharged from Regina Health Center to return home to continue treatment. The stay was cut short by a hospitalization and a return to RHC.

Sister Barbara will be remembered for her kind and gentle demeanor, her self-effacing humor, and for her care and insight. She was a deeply spiritual woman, a committed religious, and a loving sister and friend.

She is survived by a brother Donald (wife Stella) of Palmdale, California.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Ursuline Sisters.

Wake: 3:00 PM, Monday, May 4, 2015
Ursuline Motherhouse, 2600 Lander Road, Pepper Pike
Funeral Mass: 7:00 PM Monday
Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity (Motherhouse)
Burial Service: 9:30 AM Tuesday, May 5
Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity (Motherhouse)
Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon.