Date of death: 5/26/2011
Saint Meinrad Class: SS 1976
Sr. Josita died in Camilla Hall at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, following a lengthy illness.Barbara Jean O’Donnell was born March 12, 1930, in Gary, to Mabel (Klingensmith) O’Donnell and William O’Donnell.She attended St. Joseph Academy in Tipton and entered the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on Sept. 1, 1946. She was given the name of Sister Mary Josita and made her final profession of vows on July 2, 1952.Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne and a Master of Arts degree in elementary education from Ball State University in Muncie, Sr. Josita influenced the lives of her students for some 44 years. She ministered as teacher and/or principal in Catholic schools throughout Indiana, including St. Patrick, Kokomo, and St. Joan of Arc, Kokomo.Sr. Josita served for a period of time as a member of the Administrative Council of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She later ministered with the Sisters of St. Francis at the Spiritual Center in Little Falls, MN, assisting with programs and hospitality. In 2002, she retired and returned to St. Joseph Center in Tipton, where she attended to the needs of sisters, lay residents and guests.Sr. Josita had a great love of animals, including Josie, an Irish shepherd, and Emmie, a Jack Russell terrier, who was her constant companion for several years. A lover of nature, she enjoyed long walks and being immersed in God’s creation.Sr. Josita was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Joseph O’Donnell; two sisters, Martha Moos and Mary Louise Marsden; and a niece, Laurel Alliss.In addition to the sisters and associates of the congregation of St. Joseph, she is survived by six nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.Information obtained from The Kokomo Tribune online, www.kokomotribune.com