Tribute to Sister Edith de Sainte Gertrude
May 29,1919 – April 28, 2023
Sister Edith, pictured here at our Easter Celebration, died peacefully Friday morning, April 28, at about 7:30 a.m. Mother Mary Michael and Sister Mary Christina were by her side. Sister Edith was born in Dublin, Ireland, and baptized Kathleen. She never lost her Irish brogue. She was only sixteen years old when she first asked her mother for permission to enter the congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, but it was several years later that she was given permission. Since that time, her cheerful and prayerful disposition never faded, even when she was sent to various homes in Europe and finally here, to North America. She was assigned, to our Newark, Delaware home in 1994, where her simple, tiny figure became a mighty beacon of light, and constant call to prayer and source of indefatigable inspiration for all who entered into our residence. She never really slowed down, even as the years passed.
Over the years, our Home had to be repaired, remodeled, and improved from time to time, but never Sister Edith. It is hard to remember a day when she was not with the poor whom she served and truly dearly loved. Younger sisters have come and lived and served and died here. But Sister Edith remained. Her work for the Lord was not yet finished and she served Him with a grateful heart. It is said that during our lifetime, we often brush shoulders with saints – real saints – and never even realize it. But most of us who were blessed to have known Sister Edith knew we were in the presence of a Saint when Sister Edith was nearby.
Right up to the moment before she was taken to the hospital she was still walking robustly (with her walker) through the hallways of both floors, visiting our dining rooms every day to chat with the residents and to share a good joke. Once a week she still led the Legion of Mary and the Yarn Club. When she wasn’t looking after the residents, you could find her in the Chapel, saying her prayers. If times got tough, or someone would come to her with a worry or a concern, she would always tell them, “Trust in the Hand that feeds the sparrow.” The loss we feel is very deep and wide. But it is hard to concentrate on ourselves when we envision the happiness and great joy of Sister Edith as she at last sees the One whom she loved with all her heart, all her soul and all her strength!
We miss her more than we can say.
“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
Tribute to Sister Edith