Submitted by: John C. Monk

Sister Barbara Korem

Dec. 29, 1941 - May 23, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Sister Barbara Korem (Sister M. Emil), CSC, 68, was born in Hammond, IN, to the late Elsie and Emil Korem. She has one sister, Lois Wold of Greensboro, NC, six nieces and nephews, and many beloved extended family members. Sister received a diploma in nursing from Holy Cross Central School of Nursing, South Bend, IN, and her bachelor's degree in nursing from Loretto Heights College. Her postgraduate education included a master's in health administration from Central Michigan University, a master's in nursing from Corpus Christie State University and a master's in tropical disease nursing from Tulane University. Sister Barbara served in Holy Cross hospitals in Indiana, Illinois and California and as a home health administrator in Texas before beginning her ministry as a nurse practitioner in clinics she founded in Matamoros, Mexico, and in recent years in Tabasco, Mexico. Sister was not only coordinator of health services and out-reach to the poor but also ministered to the spiritual needs of those she served. Her pioneering spirit led her to establish the first ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Mexico more than 25 years ago. Sister Barbara not only attended to the health needs of the people but their spiritual needs as well, represented by the building of a church for the people of Cinco de Mayo in rural Mexico. Her commitment to serve the needs of the people of Mexico was embraced by many volunteers and donors who contributed their time and resources to making her vision a reality and a legacy for those who follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Ministry with the Poor, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN 46556, or online at www.cscsisters.org. Reception of the Body and wake service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame, IN. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon in the church. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.