Barbara Beauchamp

Sister Barbara Beauchamp, SNDdeN celebrated her 70th Jubilee as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur in 2025 while reflecting on a vocation that has been deeply rooted in her earliest experiences. 

“Growing up with two younger siblings, I naturally became their companion and caretaker,” she recalls. Surrounded by other families, she often extended her nurturing role by babysitting for the entire neighborhood. “These formative years ignited my passion for teaching young children as a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur—a dream that took root in my childhood.” 

That dream became a lifelong vocation. Sister Barbara pursued Montessori training and went on to dedicate her ministry to early childhood education. She taught in Providence, Rhode Island; East Boston; Methuen; and Milton before beginning a 50-year chapter at Notre Dame Children’s Class (NDCC) in Wenham, Massachusetts. 

At NDCC, she found daily inspiration in a message posted at the entrance: “Walk with love and joy into this House of Children, for here you will find God.” The words became a guidepost for her life in ministry, echoing her devotion to the vision of St. Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. 

After seven decades of religious life, Sister Barbara is filled with gratitude. “Truly, how good is the good God,” she says. 

Updated in 2025