Remembering Sister Gertrude de Notre Dame
Sr. Gertrude de Notre Dame, psdp
Little Sister of the Poor
1936-2020
Je me tiens à la porte et je frappe. Je suis un mendicant.
Behold I stand at the door and knock. I am a beggar.
On behalf of the Little Sisters of the Poor, I share with you the news of the passing of Sister Gertrude Crevan. A Little Sister of the Poor for more than sixty years, Sister Gertrude dedicated herself to prayer and provisions.
Many in the Rhode Island business community knew Sister Gertrude during her thirty years as the “begging sister” for Jeanne Jugan Residence in Pawtucket, and she left quite a legacy. While Sister has resided with our community at St. Joseph’s Home in Totowa, NJ for the past eight years, those who visited our home here in Rhode Island still asked for her and always shared a story or two.
What many may not know, however, was Sr. Gertrude’s deep prayer life. Sr. Gertrude de Notre Dame’s religious name was so appropriate because of her love for and her devotion to Our Lady. In fact, prior to entering the Congregation, Sr. Gertrude was secretary to Father Patrick Peyton – the “Rosary Priest.” The Rosary was her constant companion, and she offered her rosaries for so many intentions, remembering everyone in need of prayers. Moreover, she used to pray the Chaplet of St. Joseph every day for our benefactors.
On the morning of December 19, 2020 our Lord came for our Petite Soeur Gertrude de Notre Dame. Having completed her earthy journey, she entered eternity, just in time for the celebration of Christmas.
Father Sean McDonnell, Chaplain at our home in New Jersey, celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial in the chapel there. Paying homage to our Congregation’s French origins which date back to 1839, Father McDonnell opened and closed his homily in French. Father also shared with those present and others watching the Mass online, “I think you will remember Sister Gertrude in her dedication to her prayer life, her office, her love for the rosary, the holy Mass. She was always obliging to any request and has left the memory of a Little Sister who went beyond her limits to accommodate.”
The Little Sisters of the Poor extend our sincere gratitude to all who accommodated any request made by Sr. Gertrude over the years, and we humbly beg of you once more ~ please pray for us and please pray for Sr. Gertrude of Notre Dame.
La porte est ouverte.Bravo bon et fidèle serviteur.
The door is opened. Well done good and faithful servant.
Sister Patricia Mary, lsp
Remembering Sister Gertrude