Barbara Joan Fuhrwerk, 93, of Springfield, Illinois, died on Sept. 10, 2026. She was born in Buffalo, Illinois, on June 19, 1933, to the late Elizabeth (Costello) and Willard Fuhrwerk.
Barb graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, and Loyola University in Chicago. She entered the Dominican novitiate to become a sister in 1951 and left the community in 1971 to continue her teaching career. She was deeply indebted to the Dominican sisters for her education, spiritual foundations and encouragement to be more than she ever thought possible.
One of Barb’s greatest joys was her 47 years of teaching, mostly middle school students. She expresses gratitude for the honor of pulling students through many English books and novels and requests forgiveness from those on whom she was too tough. She loved to hear from former students about their achievements and families. Many of her dearest friends were co-workers with whom she both laughed and cried.
She taught at Holy Angels School in Aurora, St. Margaret Mary School in Algonquin, was the first principal of the newly opened St. Dominic School in Quincy, and taught at Niles Elementary, Divernon Grade School, and Glenwood Junior High in Chatham. She also worked part-time for the Regional Office of Education in Carlinville.
Barb was a member of Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community, a Dominican Associate, a Samaritan at St. John’s Hospital, and a member of Theresians International.
AND NOW BEGINS THE GREAT ADVENTURE!
She was also predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Frank “Beaver” Schwartz, her great-niece, Emma Shafer, her longtime friend, Mary Warwick, and many beloved rescue dogs.
She is survived by her nephew and nieces, Cathy (John Shafer) Schwartz, Ed (Renee) Schwartz, Paula (Mike) Ryan, Jean (Chuck) Weiss, and Ann Schwartz; and many great nieces and nephews, Shelley (Zach) Brown, Emma and Ava; Katie (Drew) DeMarco, Carter, Leo, and Henry; Chris (Philicia) Ryan, Noah and Pual; Elle (Kevin Gates) Ryan; Lauren, Andrew and Matthew Weiss; Danny and Joey Schwartz; She is also survived by faithful friend Vicki Schmidt, who introduced her to the work of Mother Teresa and to the spirituality and richness of global friendships and travel.
Memorial Gathering: 9-10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community, 2939 Stanton Avenue, Springfield. A Liturgy service will follow at 10 a.m.
A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield in November. Watch Facebook (Cathy Schwartz) for the date and time.
Memorials may be made to the Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community, 2939 Stanton Ave., Springfield, Illinois, 62703 or to Emma Shafer Peace and Justice Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, 205 S. 5th St. #530, Springfield, Illinois, 62701.
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