Sister Barbara Chenicek, formerly known as Sister George Patrice Chenicek, died on October 13, 2015, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 82 years of age and in the 61st year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Barbara was born in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Patricia (Pazour) Chenicek. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago, Illinois, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting both from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, Michigan.
Sister spent 4 years ministering in elementary education Detroit and Wyandotte, Michigan; 8 years ministering at Aquinas High School in Chicago, Illinois, and Rosary High School in Detroit Michigan, both Congregation institutions; and 4 years ministering at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and St. Dominic College in Saint Charles, Illinois, also Congregation institutions.
In addition to her years in education, Sister Barbara spent 43 years collaborating with Sister Rita Schiltz as a co-founder of INAI Studio, a gallery and art studio located on the Motherhouse campus in Adrian, MI. Sisters Barbara and Rita consulted with a variety of parishes, congregations, hospitals, universities and other groups in the design and creation of contemporary sacred space, and received nation-wide recognition for liturgical and interior design.
Sister Barbara is survived by a brother, Don Chenicek, of Jacksonville, Florida.
Welcome of Sister Barbara will be on Sunday, October 18 at 6:00 pm in the Dominican Life Center Lobby; the Wake will follow from 6:15 to 7:00 pm in the Rose Room of the Dominican Life Center. The Reception of the Body and Vigil Prayer will be at 7:00 pm in St. Catherine Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel on Monday, October 19 at 10:30 am. Burial will be in the Congregation cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.