Mary Healy (Mother Gertrude)
Mary Healy (Mother Gertrude) was an Irish Roman Catholic religious sister and educator. She served as the Mother General of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, a religious congregation founded in Lyon, France, in 1625. Healy's leadership occurred during a significant period of expansion for the order, particularly in the United States.
Born in Ireland, Mary Healy entered the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and took the religious name Mother Gertrude. She was elected Mother General in the late 19th century. During her tenure, she oversaw the establishment and growth of numerous schools, hospitals, and orphanages staffed by the Sisters, primarily in Texas and Louisiana. A key focus of her administration was providing education and healthcare to underserved populations, reflecting the charism of the Incarnate Word Sisters.
Mother Gertrude is remembered for her administrative capabilities and dedication to the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Her leadership was instrumental in solidifying the order's presence and influence in the American Southwest. Information about her specific dates of birth, death, and the precise years of her tenure as Mother General often requires consulting the archives of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word or related historical records.