SR. GERTRUDE BONIN, DHS
June 23, 1913 – January 15, 2012 

Sr. Gertrude Bonin, 98, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Sunday, January 15 at 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 from 6–8 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:15.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the Provincial House chapel on Thursday, January 19 at 11 AM followed by burial at St. Mary’s 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.