Sister Mary Gertrude Ann Mueller SND

SISTER MARY GERTRUDE ANN MUELLER, S.N.D.

“The one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Throughout her 87 years Sister Mary Gertrude Ann Mueller bountifully sowed seeds of sweetness and kindness in her family, religious community, ministry of education, and compassionate attention to the sick until her death on October 30 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio.

Born in Delphos, Ohio, on November 10, 1937, she enjoyed the rural environment and the faith-filled atmosphere of a strong Catholic family with her seven siblings. Taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame, she thought about becoming a sister at an early age and in high school became an aspirant of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo. She professed vows in 1957 and received a BA in Education from Mary Manse College in Toledo. Her specialty was teaching primary grades for 24 years in schools of the diocese of Toledo and 25 years in St. Jude Catholic School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sister had a phenomenal memory for her students, even recognizing them years later as adults.

Known and appreciated by the parishioners of St. Jude Church in Fort Wayne, she was happy to remain there as she transitioned her ministry of elementary education to parish outreach in 2009. She visited residents in nursing homes and the homebound. Attending to the needs of the sick was not new to Sister, for she had already given several weeks of her summer vacation to assist infirm Notre Dame Sisters.

Leaving Fort Wayne in 2019, Sister resided in the Sisters of Notre Dame Center in Whitehouse, where she spent four years in community service. Rosary Care Center in Sylvania became her home for her remaining years. Wherever Sister resided, whatever her work, she sowed bountifully by spreading seeds of kindness and demonstrating prayerfulness, gentleness, and generosity along with infectious laughter.

Preceding her in death were her parents Richard and Gertrude (Fischer) Mueller, sister Gertrude (died in utero) and brothers Arthur (Rita), Raymond who became Brother Carl, C.PP.S., Thomas, and Robert (Marsha). She is survived by her sisters Joan (Dennis) Miller and Mary Ann (Diana Travis), and her brother Nicholas (Mary) Mueller. She will be greatly missed by her religious community, family, friends, and other relatives.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 10, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the funeral Mass at 4:30 p.m. at The Sisters of Notre Dame Center, 5900 Davis Road, Whitehouse, Ohio. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to the Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo. Tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 1656 Henthorne Drive, Suite 2000, Maumee, OH 43537.