Sister Barbara Grozelle

Sister Barbara Grozelle, CSJ (formerly Sister Frances Cabrini) died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario on Monday, April 1, 2024 in the 63rd year of her religious life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Charles Lawrence Grozelle and Mary Frances (née Brady) Grozelle-McColl, her stepfather Malcolm McColl, her sister Mary (Harvey) and her brother Robert. She is survived by her sister Catherine (Van den Hoogen) and her brother Larry. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and Sisters in Community.

Sister Barbara joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in 1960 after high school graduation. She was a 1966 RN graduate of St. Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing. Her nursing career included positions at three of the Congregation’s hospitals, Toronto’s St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals as well as St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, BC.

Her compassionate nursing care transitioned professionally to serve chronic or palliative care patients and their families. From 1991-1996 Sister Barbara served as Director of Pastoral Care at Pembroke General Hospital. This ministry was followed by loving care to her Sisters residing in the Congregation’s Infirmary.

For almost twenty years, Sister Barbara was a dedicated volunteer with Fontbonne Ministries and led the craft and sewing program. She was passionate about teaching and supporting adults with new life skills as well as serving as a visitor with the In Good Company program run by Fontbonne Ministries.

She died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence where she had been receiving excellent nursing care and attention.