Sister M. Gertrude Mastilak, Osf

Sister M. Gertrude Mastilak, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis of the U.S. Province for 72 years, died on Friday, January 11, 2008 at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, PA. She was 93 years old. Sister Gertrude entered the community from St. Joseph Church in Bayonne, NJ in 1933 and professed her first vows in 1935 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, PA and her final vows on August 8, 1941. She spent many years cooking, sewing and as a laundress for the sisters in Charleroi, PA; Tarentum, PA; McKees Rocks, PA; Northampton, PA; Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, PA; Gertrude was transferred to the former Bethlehem Province and taught kindergarten in Boonton, NJ; Guttenberg, NJ; Clifton, NJ and Hellertown, PA. In 1981, she was transferred to Monocacy Manor where she had various duties helping in the Renewal Center, the laundry and the kitchen. She also helped in St. Francis Day Care Center preparing the meals for the children. From 1994 until 2003 Sister Gertrude used her time as a crafts artist making gifts for the sisters. During the last four years of her life, with her eyes failing, she spent her time in the ministry of prayer.

She was the daughter of the late Andrew Mastilak and Mary Nadzam. She is survived by her religious community, her only sister, Mrs. Mary Bazevicz in Saddle Brook, NJ and one niece. Viewing will be at Monocacy Manor on Monday, January 14th from 6-8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 15th at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem, PA Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem, PA.