Sister Barbara Cervenka, formerly known as Sister James Annette, died on Jan. 28, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 86 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Barbara was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to James and Florence (Balzer) Cervenka. She graduated from Hoban Dominican High School in Cleveland and obtained a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. 

Sister Barbara ministered for more than 44 years in education in Maybee, Detroit, Madison Heights, Adrian, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. This includes 11 years as a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor — where she also served as assistant dean for what is now the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design — and 21 years as a member of the faculty at Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, an Adrian Dominican sponsored institution. She served four years on the Congregation’s General Council. 

Sister Barbara also ministered for almost 14 years as co-director at Con/Vida in Detroit. Con/Vida is a non-profit that promotes understanding of the diverse cultures, traditions, and history of the Americas through art. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2026.

Sister Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Annette (Kawalac) Cervenka; and her sister, Sister Anita Marie Cervenka, SND. She is survived by other loving family members and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.