Sr. Barbara Ann Fava, OP

Dominican Sister of Peace Barbara Ann Fava, OP (87), a native of Greenville, Mississippi, died on February 8, 2024, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, Kentucky.  Sr. Barbara is survived by two sisters, Annette Willis (Lynn, MA) and Paula Fava (Brandon, MS), and several nieces and nephews.

A Dominican for 63 years, Sr. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies/English/Education from Siena College (Memphis, TN); a Master of Arts in Theology from Catherine Spalding College (Louisville, KY) and a Master of Arts in History from Memphis State University (Memphis, TN).  She ministered as a teacher at St. Dominic (Springfield, KY); St. Joseph (Mattoon, IL); Bishop Donahue High (McMechen, WV); Owensboro Catholic (Owensboro, KY); St. Catharine Academy (St. Catharine, KY) and as an instructor at St. Catharine College (St. Catharine, KY).  Sister also served as Parish and Campus Minister at St. Clare Parish (Berea, KY) and Memphis State University Catholic Center (Memphis, TN).  In 1993, Sister Barbara taught Adult Education (GED classes) in Marks, MS until 2002. Sister returned to St. Catharine Motherhouse (St. Catharine, KY) where she began the ministry of Dominican Coordinator at Sansbury Care Center (St. Catharine, KY).  She held this position from 2002 until 2012.  Beginning in 2013, Sister Barbara spent several years at Springbank Retreat Center (Kingstree, SC) where she served on the Staff and assisted with the Retreat programs on a part-time basis until 2022. 

Early 2024, Sr. Barbara moved to Sansbury Care Center (St. Catharine, KY) where she began a ministry of prayer and presence.

Arrangements are handled by Hale–Polin–Robinson Funeral Home in Springfield, Kentucky. The visitation begins at 3pm, Monday, February 19, at the Sansbury Care Center Chapel.  The funeral will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday, February 20, at Sansbury Care Center Chapel.  Burial will be in the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Sr. Barbara’s memory may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098. To make a secure online donation or to view a full obituary, please visit www.oppeace.org.