OBITUARY

Sister Gertrude Crevan

Posted

PAWTUCKET — Sister Gertrude Crevan passed away on December 19, 2020. 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 the religious community at St. Joseph’s Home in Totowa, N.J. for the past eight years, those who visited their home in Rhode Island still asked for her and always shared a story or two.
Sister Gertrude had a deep prayer life. Her religious name, Sister Gertrude de Notre Dame, 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.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Sean McDonnell, chaplain of the Little Sisters of the Poor Home in New Jersey, in their chapel. Paying homage to the 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 Sister 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,” said Sister Patricia Mary, lsp, Jeanne Jugan Residence.