Sister Gertrude Mary Kerin, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, a well known and influentional figure in the history of Gloucester Catholic High School, died Dec. 7 at St. Mary’s Home in Cherry Hill. She was 99 years of age.
The daughter of the late Thomas F. and Gertrude Murnane Kerin, she was born Nov. 22, 1914 in Chicago.
Sister Gertrude Mary entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh on Sept. 8, 1935, made her first profession June 27, 1937, and final profession Aug. 4, 1943. Sister Gertrude Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from the College of St. Elizabeth, a master’s in education from Fordham University, and master’s in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame.
Sister Gertrude Mary began her ministry in secondary education at Mount St. Mary Academy in Newburgh, N.Y., in 1935 as a chemistry teacher. She transferred to the biology department where she remained until 1965. From 1965-67 she served as principal at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, N.C. She then moved on to Gloucester Catholic High School, where she started out as vice-principal from 1967-70 and then served as teacher and administrative aide. She moved to St. Mary’s Home in 2009 where she remained until her death.
Sister Gertrude Mary received the following awards: Principals Award in 1985 and again in 2001; the St. Mary’s Parish Award for Devoted Services to St. Mary’s Church and School and Gloucester Catholic High School in 1999; and the Dr. Frank and Catherine Kelly Award for Services to Gloucester Catholic High School in 1997. At the 2005 Gala Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Gloucester Catholic High School she received a proclamation signed by Gov. Cody for her services in education in the state of New Jersey.
Sister was raised in Scarsdale, N.Y., where she belonged to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
Sister Gertrude Mary is survived by her brother, Msgr. Joseph A. Kerin, Charlotte, N.C. She is predeceased by her siblings: Evelyn J. Kerin, Thomas Kerin Jr., Sister Thomas Mary OP, Marian Kerin, Theresa Kerin, Lorraine Hoyt and James Kerin.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 11 at St. Mary Church, Gloucester City. Burial was at the Dominican Sisters’ Cemetery on the grounds of Mt. St. Mary College, Newburgh, N.Y. on Dec. 12.
Donations in Sister Gertrude Mary’s name can be sent to the Development Office, 299 N. Highland Ave., Bldg. 5, Ossining, NY 10562-2327.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Sister Gertrude Mary Kerin, OP.
Funeral arrangements were made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ (856-456-1142).
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