Sister Mary Charlotte Barton, GNSH
Written on: April 13, 2022
There were two reflections on the life of Sister Mary Charlotte Barton. This reflection was written and delivered by Sr. Eileen White, GNSH. Read the full reflection here: Mary Charlotte Barton reflection April 23 2022.
A second reflection, written and delivered by Sr. Mary Charlotte’s youngest sister, Mary Morais, paints a family picture, fulfilling in its own way the words of Sister Eileen, “Charlotte was more than any one image, bigger than her ministries, her awards, her accolades. She was a community woman and a family woman, a musician, a lover of nature and of all things beautiful.” Read Mary’s reflection here: Mary Charlotte Barton’s sister Mary Morais’ sharing of family memories April 23 2022
Sister Mary Charlotte Barton, GNSH, former President of D’Youville College, died on April 7, 2022 in the 76th year of her religious life. An outstanding educator and administrator, Sister Mary Charlotte will be remembered for her contributions to the growth and strengthening of the College as its 13th President, spanning the years of 1968-79. Sister also served as a Trustee of the College from 1983-1992. Other Board of Trustee Membership includes Holy Redeemer Health System and A.B. Hepburn Hospital. Sister was also a member of the Committee of Education for the USCC.
In 1979 Sister Mary Charlotte was elected as the 10th Superior General of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, in which capacity she served until 1988. From 1989 until 1998 she served as Parish Administrator of St. Hugh of Cluny Parish in Philadelphia, PA. Sister was reelected to Congregational Leadership in 1998 and served as a Member of the GNSH Leadership Council and Treasurer until 2003.
Among the many awards Sister received was that of Outstanding Woman Educator in Western NY by the Community Advisory Council of SUNY at Buffalo in 1978, Sister was the recipient of three Honorary Degrees (St. Bonaventure, Canisius and D’Youville). She was listed in Who’s Who in Religion and Outstanding Educators in America.
Sister served as principal (1963-65) of Melrose Academy (Elkins Park, PA) for three of 10 years, and D’Youville Academy (Chamblee, GA 1965-68). She taught French and Latin and was Chair of the Romance Languages Department at Cardinal Dougherty High School.
Sister was born Dorothy Elizabeth Barton, the eldest of seven children born to Edward D. and Dorothy Thompson Barton. She grew up in Lowell, MA and is survived by siblings: E. David (Yasko) Barton, Priscilla Hartley, and Mary Morais and sister-in-law Carol Barton and brother-in-law Robert McGuire as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and sisters Charlotte McGuire, Alice (Millard) Cramp and brother James.
Viewing will begin at 9:15 am, with sharing of memories starting at 9:30 am, Saturday, April 23rd in the Redeemer Sisters’ Chapel 521 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA; her funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, PA.
Donations in her memory will be gratefully received by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. Donations may be made online to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, or by mail at the following address:14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-1188.
Funeral arrangements by Beck/Givnish, Inc.
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Aunt Dotty will always hold a special place in my heart. She appreciated the simple things in life and loved us, her family so sweetly. She will be missed.
Sister M. Charlotte is better known as “Aunt Dotty” to me. Aunt Dotty was a beloved aunt to me and my siblings as well as a great aunt to my three children. When I was in college, Aunt Dotty was living in California for a short sabbatical. I was impressed by how caring she was to me when I was adjusting to life away from home. When I grew up and had children of my own, Aunt Dotty visited me when we were in NJ for family vacations at the shore. My children and husband loved getting to know her. Her childlike enthusiasm for the simple joys in life (like eating ice cream and swimming in the ocean) was contagious. Her dedication to the religious life was admirable to all of us. I am so proud to call her my Aunt Dotty. She touched our lives in a very special way. She will be greatly missed.
Sister will always be remembered by those of us who graduated
from D’Youville for all she did during her time as president of the College. Her strong leadership and foresight was instrumental
in making D’Youville University what it is today. She will be in my prayers.
Sr. Mary Charlotte will never be forgotten. Her smile did light up a room! and that smile was contagious! Always so gracious and Full of the compassion of Saint Maguerite. She listened and conveyed happiness where ever she was, a pleasure to be around, she will be remembered always as a friend of our loving God. May she rest in the peace she deserves!
Charlotte was such an important and admirable part of my experience as a Grey Nun. When I taught at D’Youville College under her presidency, and when I attended Motherhouse meetings monthly later, she was both college and Grey Nun special leader. And her willingness to be flexible as well as consistent was so impressive, especially with some of the challenges I saw her have to face. I treasure her.
Charlotte was such an important and admirable part of my experience as a Grey Nun. When I taught at D’Youville College under her presidency, and when I attended Motherhouse meetings monthly later, she was both college and Grey Nun definite leader. And her willingness to be flexible as well as consistent was so impressive, especially with some of the challenges I saw her have to face. I treasure her.
Sister Mary Charlotte was my seventh grade teacher in 1956 at Melrose Academy. She also taught music and choral singing and conducted our performances. I was blessed to know her and have her as a teacher.
Our sympathies to the Gray Nuns on the loss of a gifted leader. She was like Mother General when our paths crossed at the Hepburn Hospital. Our prayers are with her and all the Gray Nuns Amen
Loved Sister…she was close to my Mother ( D’Youville class of ‘42). I attended D’Youville ( Nursing ‘76) and since I was Student Government President I had the honor of interfacing with Sister on occasion. May she Rest In Peace❤️
Sorry to hear of the passing of Sister Mary.
As students we knew little of the difficulties facing our school as Sr. Mary Charlotte carried on with strength, promise and purpose until the school’s closing. My father spoke highly of Sr. M Charlotte’s abilities as a principal and we all shared in the gift the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart gave us at D’Youville Academy.
Sister Mary Charlotte succeeded Sister Mary Raphael as Principal at D’Youville. She had big shoes to fill and didn’t miss a step. She kept all of the DYA girls in line.
I was intimidated by her and respected her tremendously.
She was a wonderful lady.
We send our sympathy to the Grey Nuns, her family and friends. Sr. Charlotte is remembered with much love, respect and admiration.
I very well remember Sister M. Charlotte from my years working as one of the Chaplain’s to the Grey Nuns at Yardley. Always a model religious, she also was a fine lady. May the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ grant her eternal rest, and may the Sacred Heart of Jesus share with her now the fullness of His loving Heart. Fr. Richard Davis, TOR
I remember sister from Dougherty high school many years ago