A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Barbara Kauss, D.C., was celebrated February 7, 2018, in the Daughters of Charity Province of Congo, Africa; burial followed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sister Barbara died February 3, 2018, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident while she and two other Daughters were being driven to the airport; Sister Barbara was on mission in Tanzania, Province of Congo. Sister was 76 years of age and 57 years vocation as a Daughter of Charity.
Born in Waukegan, Ill., on August 24, 1941, Sister Barbara (formerly known as Sister Richardine) was one of three children born to Richard Anthony and Helen Marie (Lucas) Kauss. Sister Barbara joined the Community of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in September 1960 from Mother of God Church in Waukegan.
Sister Barbara graduated from Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Ill., in 1959; she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degrees in French, English, and Education from Marillac College, Normandy, Mo., in 1964.
Following initial formation, Sister Barbara taught at Holy Trinity in Dallas, Tex., (1961 to 1964); Mayaguez, I.C.A., Puerto Rico (1964 to 1967); and St. Joseph School, New Orleans, La., (1970). In June 1971, Sister Barbara was missioned to Paris, France, to study French at the Alliance Francaise while living at the Daughters’ Mission Center. Following study, Sister was missioned to Zaire (officially became the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997). Sister Barbara served in many roles while on mission in the Congo including the oversight of three secondary schools in Bikoro, Kinshasa, and Mbandaka. Sister’s final mission was in Tarime Mara, Tanzania.
Whenever Sister Barbara was asked about her ministry in Africa, she shared about the people—the people she loved. Fluent in French and often having difficulty coming up with words in “English,” Sister enjoyed sharing facts, information, and especially photos of Province of Congo whenever she was in the U.S. for a home visit. As one listened to Sister Barbara’s stories, one could picture the trees, rivers, schools, and hear the children laughing as they posed for her to take their photos!
Sister Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one of her brothers. She is survived by her brother, David Kauss, of Jupiter, Fla.; and her Sisters in Community. A Chicago-area memorial prayer service for Sister Barbara will be planned for the spring.