Class of 1952

Sister Gerard has ministered as an educator and administrator in the Diocese of Wilmington during her 67 years as a Benedictine nun. A graduate of St. Elizabeth High School and described in the yearbook as “an effervescent personality with a winning smile”, she later returned to teach then serve as the elementary school principal for 33 years. Sister’s passion for educating the youth permeated throughout the halls during her tenure at St. E, imparting a legacy of kindness, compassion and an emphasis on Benedictine values. In addition to her dedication to education, Sister was very much committed to Pacem in Terris, an organization dedicated to Peace on Earth. In 1998, Sister was chosen for the "Peacemaker Among Us" award in Delaware. Sister "G" was elected Prioress of the Benedictine Community in Ridgely, MD and left St. E's in June 2003 to begin her five-year term as head of the Sisters of St. Gertrude's Monastery and St. Elizabeth's Convent.

As a tribute to Sr. Gerard's devotion to St. Benedict and her nearly 4 decades of service to St. Elizabeth School, a statue of St. Benedict was donated in her name from alumni, parents, parishioners, and friends. The statue resides above the entrance of St. E to watch over all who "enter to learn, leave to serve" - in the spirit of St. Benedict and the tradition of Sr. Gerard. Presently, Sister Gerard resides at the new monastery of the Benedictine Sisters in Newark, DE. Continuing to serve her community, Sister can often be seen decorating the chapel, or writing anniversary
cards to the priests in the diocese.