SEPTEMBER 13, 1926 - SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

RESIDENT OF LOS GATOS

Sister Mary Paul Gerard (Wilma Gustafson) - a native of Oakland, California died at the Convent of the Holy Names, Los Gatos on September 24, 2010 at 84 years of age, and as a vowed member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 60 years.

Sister Paul Gerard had a long and rich ministry as an educator at Holy Names High School (Oakland), Marin Catholic (Kentfield), Saint Monica High School (Santa Monica), Saint Bernard (Los Angeles) and Ramona Convent Secondary School (Alhambra). Though she often claimed she was "only occupying student groups" when she taught, she was an effective teacher who knew how to make geometry and science come alive. In her "retirement" she continued educating as a volunteer at Next Step Learning Center in Oakland. Sister Paul Gerard had a delight in life that was evidenced in her story-telling, laughter, great joy, love of good food and gourmet cooking, her deep sense of prayer and her long and faithful friendships. She is survived by her great-nephew, Duncan Danillo-Gasiewicz and great-niece, Molly Danillo-Gasiewicz. She is remembered fondly by her beloved Sisters and Associates of the Holy Names and by friends, ministry partners and countless students.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 7:15 p.m. at the Convent of the Holy Names, 200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos. Her burial will be at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2010 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, California.

Gifts in Sister's memory may be made to the Ministry Fund, Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031. Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills, Los Gatos, CA