Barbara Tylkowski Obituary

Sister Barbara Tylkowski, O.S.F., 74, a Sister of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration for 57 years, died peacefully at Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center in Colorado Springs on February 19, 2016.

Barbara Jean Tylkowski was born April 8, 1941 in Omaha, NE to Thomas A. Tylkowski and Bernice S. Pyzdek. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jim. Her surviving siblings and spouses include Mary Ann Haynes (Norris-deceased), Papillion, NE; Judy Eymann (Jim), Sidney, NE; Rose Marie (Ro) Evans (Don), Bellevue, NE; and sister-in-law Babs Tylkowski, Omaha, NE. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.



Sister Barbara entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958, receiving the Religious habit and the name Sister Kevin in 1959. Her profession of perpetual vows was in 1966. Sister graduated from the College of St. Joseph (University of Albuquerque) with a BS Degree in Education in 1964 and a MS Degree in Science Education in 1976 from Creighton University in Omaha, NE.

Sister Barbara served as teacher or teacher/ principal/administrator in New Mexico and Nebraska for many years. In New Mexico, she was at San Diego Mission, Jemez Pueblo, from 1984-99, Immaculate Conception School in Cuba, from 1977-84 as teacher/principal, St. Anthony Mission, Zuni, from 1975-77, San Diego Mission, Jemez Pueblo, from 1970-75. In Nebraska she served at Immaculate Conception School in Omaha, from 1968-70, St. Francis High School, Humphrey, from 1966-68, and St. Bonaventure School-Scotus, Columbus, from 1964-66.

She was a member of (NCEA) the National Catholic Education Association, (NMANS) New Mexico Association of Nonpublic Schools, and (ASCD) Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

In 2002 Sister Barbara moved to Mount St. Francis and served as Provincial Secretary, Coordinator for the Sisters and Supervisor of Sisters' Housekeeping staff. Sister had beautiful hand writing, took precise minutes and kept life in the convent at St. Clare running smoothly. She loved to play pitch, did many art and painting pieces, and decorated her room with treasures from her life in New Mexico. She enjoyed country music and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Sister Barbara was admitted to the Sisters' Care Unit in November of 2011, and became a resident of Mount St. Francis Nursing Center in January of 2013. She was active in many activities at the Nursing Center, as well as serving on the Resident Council, the Food Committee and serving as Editor in Chief of the Courtyard Quips, a wonderful newsletter about the activities and residents at the Nursing Center.

The rosary will be prayed for Sister Barbara in the Mount St. Francis Nursing Center Chapel at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 21, 2016 with a Vespers and Wake Service held in Canticle Chapel at Mount Saint Francis at 5:15 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 in Canticle Chapel followed by burial in the Mount Saint Francis Cemetery.

Memorials can be sent to: Sister Nadine Heimann, Provincial, Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, at 7665 Assisi Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.