Archives
Mission Statement
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
Sister Contact
Sr. Donna Frey
419-536-9587
Research Questions – please contact either of the above.
Snapshots From the Past
Sister Mary Gretchen Puffenberger was born Mary Catherine Puffenberger in Tiffin, Ohio. She attended Calvert High School and entered the Ursuline Convent in 1931 from St. Joseph Parish. Sister M. Gretchen attended Mary Manse and DeSales Colleges but received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois.
Sister M. Gretchen spent her life teaching music, primarily piano lessons. She went out to various schools for this purpose. She became the head of the Music Department at Mary Manse and taught classes in Harmony, Survey of Music Literature, Strict and Free Counterpoint. After Mary Manse closed, Sister M. Gretchen taught private music lessons until her untimely death after falling down the outside stairs at Jacob House. She died at St. Vincent’s Hospital on October 14, 1989 at the age of 76. She is buried in St. Joseph Cemetery in Tiffin.