Barbara Jane “Henrietta Jane” Dole (1928-2021)

Sister Barbara Jane (Henrietta Jane) Dole went home to her good God Dec. 21, 2021. She was 93, and had been a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 59 years.

She was born in Arlington, Mass., the daughter of Brenton B. and Henrietta J. (Gazaway) Dole. She was a graduate of Somerville High School and Emmanuel College in Boston. She also did graduate studies at Wheelock College in Boston. At one time, she completed a hairdressing program at Wilfred Academy.

Sister Barbara entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1962, as Sister Henrietta Jane. Sister taught second grade at the St. Ambrose School in Dorchester and first grade at the St. Francis de Sales School in Roxbury. She followed her years in education with a career that included work at Boston City Hall, the John Hancock Life Insurance Co., and investment and law firms, before retiring.

Sister Barbara was a great walker, and you never knew where in Boston you might bump into her. She would frequently be in the Fenway area, where she lived prior to moving to Worcester.

She also loved lobster and would order it whenever she had the opportunity. When she was asked what she wanted for her 90th birthday party, without hesitation, she said, “lobster salad sandwiches!”

Updated in 2026.