Sister Barbara Sipple, OSF, died Sept. 6, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany. She was 80.

The former Barbara Ann Sipple was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Netcong, N.J., to Peter and Mary (Smith) Sipple. She joined the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in 1959 and professed final religious vows in 1966.

Sister Barbara studied at St. Clare Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and became a certified RN. She went on to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing from D'Youville College in Buffalo in 1963. In 1970, she also received a bachelor's degree in education from St. Bonaventure University in 1970.

For 35 years, Sister Barbara served at congregational hospitals and schools in New York state as well as in Connecticut, Florida and New Jersey. She served in medical records at the former St. Francis Hospital in Olean for 10 years. In 2002, she returned to live at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse until her death.

She is survived by her brother Kevin (Marilyn) Sipple, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.