(Sister M. Dominica)
June 21, 1936 to December 10, 2021
It is with sadness that The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie announce the death of Sister Gertrude Quinlan (Sister M. Dominica) on December 10th, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario.
Sister M. Gertrude was born in South River, Ontario; the eldest daughter, of Catherine Elizabeth (Ryan) and Clifford Charles Quinlan. She is pre-deceased by brothers, Clifford Joseph (Evelyn) & Cyril Eugene Quinlan and her sister Rita (Follett). She is survived by her beloved sister Elizabeth (Liz) married to Ford Piercey and her predeceased spouse Gord Pearson. She is survived by loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sister Gertrude entered the Congregation of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie from her home parish, St. Augustine’s, South River, Ontario, February 4, 1954.
Following novitiate studies, and summer school teachers’ training, Sister Gertrude taught in the elementary panel in Garden River, Blind River, Killarney, Dryden, North Bay and Sudbury.
On completion of Teachers College, she ministered as principal - teacher in many Northern Ontario communities.
Following 35 years of teaching, Sister Gertrude’s ministry as volunteer brought her to Ottawa, Sudbury and North Bay. It was here that she continued to serve those in need in parishes and in the local community.
She retired to St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay in 2003. Her strong sense of faith and the support of family, friends and her congregation shaped her commitment to advocating and serving the marginalized and those in need.
Sister Gertrude, was a ‘fisher woman’, she celebrated the wonders and gifts of creation and in particular fishing when visiting family in Newfoundland and enjoying the ‘catch’ on the shores of Trout Lake.
The body of Sister Gertrude will be received at St Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 16, 2021. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 17th, 2021.
During this public health care crisis. It is with regret that the Sisters of St. Joseph will not have a public funeral liturgy. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the works and ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca.
Sister Gertrude rest in peace!