She was born to Thomas and Elsie Sheehan Fenton in Pontiac. As a young Dominican sister, Sister Joan Barbara taught at these parish schools: St. Edward and St. John Bosco in Chicago, St. Michael in Duluth, Minn., St. Joseph in Bradley and St. Malachy in Rantoul. For several years she ministered in child care at the Alfred Fortin Villa in Bourbonnais. Before coming to the motherhouse in 2007, she volunteered via Catholic Charities in the Kankakee area. At the motherhouse she was known for her cheerful generosity, creativity and prayerfulness as she went about quietly assisting in various ways.

Sister Joan Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Paul. She is survived by her brothers, Ronald of Kankakee, Thomas “Gene” of Ames, Iowa; sister-in-law, Wanda Fenton of Georgetown, Texas; and by several nephews and nieces.

The funeral Mass and final commendation was held April 28 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, with Father Clinton Honkomp, OP, presiding. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.

Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Springfield, was in charge of arrangements.