June 23, 1913 – January 15, 2012
Putnam – Sr. Gertrude Bonin, 98, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Sunday, January 15, 2012 in the Holy Spirit Health Care Center in Putnam, CT where she had been a resident since 2009. Sr. Gertrude was born on June 23, 1913 in Putnam, CT, the daughter of the late Pierre-Emile and Edouilda (Guertin) Bonin. She held a Bachelor of Music degree from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, Purchase, NY, and a Masters in Music from Duquesne University, Pittsburg, PA.
In 1932, Sr. Gertrude entered religious life in Putnam, CT and made her religious profession on August 8, 1935 at the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. She was then known as Sr. Emile de Jesus.
She was primarily a music teacher most of her religious life. Her first assignment as musician was in France at St. Anne, Quimper and later at Pré St. Gervais. In 1937, she was assigned to St. Alban in Pontypool, England. She returned to the US in 1940 and continued to serve as musician in CT at Wauregan and Jewett City and then in Burlington and Swanton in VT and then in New Haven, CT. Following this, she taught in Leominster, MA. In 1956 she was one of 7 sisters assigned to the opening of St. Bernard High School in New London, CT where she taught music and French. She then served in Waterbury, CT and from 1967-1980 she served as assistant professor of music at Annhurst College, Woodstock, CT. In 1985, she returned to Putnam and served as church organist at St. Mary Church of the Visitation until 2007 when she retired to the Provincial House.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Calling hours at the Provincial House Chapel will be on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 6–8 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:15pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Provincial House Chapel on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:00 am, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260.
Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT is in charge of arrangements. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Constance Clarke
Aunt Gert – you are and always will be loved. Such an wonderful life for such a wonderful person. Your music was always so beautiful – I am sure that you are still playing your wonderful songs.
Much love,
Bunny
Joe Clarke
It was a pleasure knowing you these past 19 years. You were a great musician as well as a wonderful person. I am glad you lived a beautiful long life and you will be missed by all.
Rhiannon Hampson-Jovin
What an inspirational life well lived. Thank you for sharing your lifetime, and love of music, in service. Many Blessings to you.
Rita Gorel Lee
Sr Gertrude ,,,, what a long beautiful life …. thank you for sharing music with me ….so many fond memories of Annhurst College … blessings on your journey …
Bill and Marie St Martin
We did not know sister Gert personally but we did enjoy her wonerdful music at church weekly until her retirement,she cannot be replaced. She will be able to continue her music in heaven.
Paul Zamaites
I’ll always remember Sr. Gertrude and the way she treated me with kindess and patience when I first joined the choir; I had never sang before especially in front of people and I could not read music. She gave me inspiration and I learned a lot from her. She would always remind the choir that when you sing for the Lord you are praying twice. I learned quite a bit from her. What a sweet Lady!
Denise Cimochowski
Pete & Louise,
My deepest sympathy goes out to the both of you and your families. She served God and now he has a better plan for her. May she rest in peace.. Love always Denise Deotte Cimochowski