Presentation Sister Barbara Hobbs, 88

Sister Barbara Hobbs, 88, known in secular life as Shirley Helen Hobbs, died at UMass Medical Center/University Campus, Sept. 4. 
She was born Oct. 31, 1934, to Casper W. & Lou E. (Headler) Hobbs 
She graduated from Hudson High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Regina Coeli College, and a master’s degree in library science from Villanova University. Sister also studied spiritual direction and counseling at St. Joseph’s College in Connecticut. She earned certificates in advanced graduate study in several other areas.
Sister Barbara entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in September 1954 and made her final profession of vows in 1962. She had recently moved to Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living in Worcester, along with other members of her Presentation Community.
Sister taught at several schools in Massachusetts including St. Leo in Leominster, St. John in Clinton, St. Bernard and Holy Family in Fitchburg; and in Connecticut at St. Mary in Stamford and Catholic Middle School in Greenwich. After teaching for several years, her ministry turned toward spiritual direction and retreat work from Emmaus Spiritual Life Center in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Sister Barbara served in community leadership as a councillor and a co-director of the community’s associate membership.
She is pre-deceased by her parents and a sister, Charlotte Hobbs.
Along with her Presentation Community, Sister Barbara is survived by her sister, Barbara Baker; a brother, Carlton R. Hobbs; a niece and two nephews: Beth Armstrong, Brian and Brett Baker; grand nieces and nephews. 
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Curley-Marchand Funeral Home, West Street, Leominster.
Visitation will be held Sept. 7 prior to the funeral at 10:30 a.m at Notre Dame du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St., Worcester.
The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel.
Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg.
Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of the Presentation, 84 Presentation Way, New Winsor, New York 12553.