Sr. Jeanne Gemperle, OSF

Sister Jeanne Gemperle OSF, born on March 6, 1925, entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale on February 1, 1949. Before that time, she worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the billing and filing department. During this same time, she was a member of a Third Order of St. Francis study group at St. Augustine's in Lawrenceville. Captivated by the spirit of St. Francis and being acquainted with the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, she entered this community at the age of 24. Her first ministry was teaching second and third graders at St. George's school. For the next 33 years, she served in various clerical capacities in different departments at the former St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh. She once remarked, "Each change in position was like beginning a new ministry." In 1962, Sister Jeanne was credited with being one of the first to become an expert in operating the new computer at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh. This hospital was reported to be the first hospital in the nation to install this new unit, the National Cash Register Co's "National 390." In 1984, Sister Jeanne was assigned as the Coordinator for Development Programs for Senior Sisters. In 1986, she earned a Certificate in Gerontology from the Catholic University of America. From 1984 to 1998, she served in several capacities as she ministered to her Franciscan sisters in the infirmary at Mt. Alvernia. After ministering to the elderly, Sister Jeanne moved into yet another ministry. In 1998, she became a group supervisor in the Mt. Alvernia Day Care/Learning Center. Sister soon found a special love for infants and until 2016, she cared for, held, and fed the youngest of God's children. Retiring from active ministry, she began her ministry of prayer in 2016 and in 2019, she joined her sisters in moving to the Waters of Wexford. During her time at The Waters of Wexford, Sister became a quiet and affirming presence to all. Her caregivers enjoyed her quiet wit and humor. As her health declined, she was able to receive the compassion that she had given to so many all of her life. Her nieces and nephews remained forever faithful to her as she was cared for by the staff at the Waters combined with loving care from Bethany Hospice. Sister once described her Franciscan life as witnessing to the gospel in simply being decent to others, being caring and not critical, and recognizing others' needs. She lived this life to the fullest and often remarked, "I am so blest." Beloved daughter of the late John J. Gemperle and Ottilia M. Gaugler; loving sister of the late John Joseph, Emil Gerard, Albert Richard, David Regis, James Thomas and Mary Corrine. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews .Viewing will be held on Monday, at St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Perry Highway, Wexford, from 9:30am until the time of Funeral Mass at 10am. Interment at Mt. Alvernia Cemetery. Funeral Liturgy will be live streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/1qlMutyZsXU? In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your choice of the following: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities 225 Greenfield Parkway, Suite 208 Liverpool, NY 13088 Bethany Hospice Parkway Center Dr S Pittsburgh, PA 15220 Jeremiah's Place 6435 Frankstown Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Sr. Jeanne Gemperle, OSF

March 6, 1925 - November 29, 2023