The Ursuline Sisters of Toledo, Ohio Archives is dedicated to the collection and preservation of the history, spirituality and ministry of the Ursuline Sisters, in order to extend their legacy and witness to their mission in the spirit and vision of their foundress, St. Angela Merici.

The Archives of the Ursuline Sisters of Toledo, OH

4045 Indian Road

Toledo, OH 43606

419-536-9587

Archives Processor

Brandi Sharlow

bsharlow@toledosua.org

Sister Contact

Sr. Donna Frey

419-536-9587

dfrey@ursulinecenter.org

Research Questions – please contact either of the above.

Snapshot From the Past

Sister M. Gerard was born Bertha Nagle on March 17, 1894 in County Clare, Ireland. She and her parents came to the United States when Bertha was an infant and settled in the Boston area. She became friends with Father Raynor, CSSR, who directed her to the Ursuline Convent of Toledo along with Sister M. Michael Burke. She entered in 1917 and received the name Sister M. Gerard. She received her college degree from De Sales College and began teaching at Good Shepherd School.

Sister M. Gerard spent a semester at St. Patrick Historic and then went to St. Mary’s Tiffin. In 1926 she was appointed to Lima St. Gerard and was there for nine years before being sent to St. Agnes School. She was there for two years and returned to St. Gerard for the next 40 years.

Sister M. Gerard’s history at St. Gerard was a phenomenon. She knew everyone and could recall former students, their parents, cousins, and friends while they attended the school. She was beloved by the priests (Redemptorists) and parishioners alike and they took up a collection to send her to Ireland as a Jubilee gift. When she became ill, she agreed to come to Ursula Hall Infirmary only after being assured that, once she recovered, she would be able to return to St. Gerard.  She died at Ursula Hall in 1980 at age 86. Her funeral was held in Lima St. Gerard Church with burial in Toledo.