Sister Barbara Lenniger, O.P.

Sister Barbara Lenniger, O.P., who directed two Bronx shelters for homeless women and their children, died on April 2 in Siena Hall in Sparkill. She was 83.

In 1988, her zeal for social justice and a desire to provide quality housing for women and children led her to found Thorpe Family Residence, a transitional homeless shelter, and later Park Avenue Thorpe, both in the Bronx.

She served as executive director of the residences until her retirement in 2011, and her work was recognized numerous times. In 2012, the Sister Barbara Lenniger Residences, featuring 92 units of affordable, supportive housing, were dedicated in the East Tremont section of the Bronx.

She also was not afraid to speak frankly in advocating for those she was assisting. “I didn’t choose this ministry in order to create more homeless,” she told CNY in 1999. “I chose it to house the homeless.”

Sister Barbara also served as coordinator of Catholic Charities’ Ministry to the Homeless, 1985-1988.

Her service “among those who needed help the most” reflected the spirit and charism of Mother Antoninus M. Thorpe, the founder of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, toward immigrant women and children in the late 1870s, said Sister Mary Murray, the congregation’s current president.

“The congregation was so proud of the leadership Sister Barbara gave in speaking out for the homeless in New York City, especially the Bronx,” Sister Mary said.

“She was a great advocate for justice. She will be greatly missed.”

Sister Barbara taught in the Bronx at St. John Chrysostom School, 1953-1954; Aquinas High School, 1965-1968; and St. Barnabas High School, 1982-1985, and was principal of St. Augustine School, New City, 1979-1982.

She also taught in Brooklyn, Hicksville and Fulton.

Born in the Bronx, she entered the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill in 1951 and received the name Sister Barbara Ann. She professed final vows in 1958.

Sister Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John’s University, a master’s in English/American literature from Hunter College and a certificate of administration from SUNY Albany.

Her sister, Betty-Ann Campos, and brother, Roland, survive her. She is also survived by her cousin, Sister Judith Brady, O.P., also a Sparkill Dominican.

A Funeral Mass was offered on April 7 at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Sparkill. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.