[2] Her father was a newspaper editor who made a point of teaching his children compassion and responsibility for less fortunate people.
While teaching in Oyster Bay, she became chairwoman of the town's Democratic Committee and leader of the Community Social Action Council, working for better low-income housing on Long Island.
Barrett was noted for organizing activities for poor families in Scranton, such as bus trips to Washington D. C. and holiday dinners, intended to give parents and children memorable and educational experiences together.
"[8] In 1985, Barrett was the subject of a public television documentary, Sister Adrian, the Mother Teresa of Scranton, narrated by Martin Sheen.
She was appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Aging by Governor Robert P. Casey, and in 1986 was the first woman to be Grand Marshal of the Scranton's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
She was known to prefer casual clothing in her work — earning her the nickname "Sister Sneakers" — but she often wore tailored tartan ensembles in formal situations.