Thompson, Mary (Gertrude), CSJ, 1928-2017
Biography
According to obituary: "Thompson, Mary CSJ (Sr. Gertrude) This witty, wise, best loved teacher, age 89 died June 25, 2017 at Carondelet Village. After attending Visitation and three years at now St. Catherine University, Mary joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1949, earned a B.S. in chemistry at St. Catherine and a doctorate in chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. She chaired the St. Catherine chemistry department for 21 of her 39 years teaching ministry there. She mentored countless women to consider careers in science, medicine and technology and in 1997, received the American Chemical Society's award for Encouraging Women into Careers in Chemical Sciences. She did calligraphy, played piano and cello and couldn't resist a pun. Mary was preceded in death by parents, Albert C. and Blanche McAvoy Thompson and sister, Patricia Thompson Harris. She is survived by her nephews, Tom (Betsy) Harris and Lee Harris and her niece, Debbie McAnaw, their families, Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates. Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00am, Wednesday, July 5, at Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with visitation at 10:00am preceding Mass. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery following lunch. Memorials preferred to Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation or The Sister Mary Thompson, CSJ Endowed Scholarship Fund, St. Catherine University. Published on July 2, 2017"
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Thompson, Mary, CSJ
The Chemistry Department records contain departmental and annual reports, publicity, and course and faculty materials. There is also a file of handwritten chemistry notes by Sister Antonius Kennelly, chemistry faculty member and third president of St. Catherine. A majority of the collection's records are from the later 1980s.