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Mary Paul GUSTAFSON Obituary

Sister Paul Gerard Gustafson, SNJM Native of Oakland Sister Mary Paul Gerard (Wilma Gustafson) died at the Convent of the Holy Names, Los Gatos on September 24, 2010 at 84 years of age, and as a vowed member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 60 years. Sister Paul Gerard had a long and rich ministry as an educator at Holy Names High School (Oakland), Marin Catholic (Kentfield), Saint Monica High School (Santa Monica), Saint Bernard (Los Angeles) and Ramona Convent Secondary School (Alhambra). Though she often claimed she was "only occupying student groups" when she taught, she was an effective teacher who knew how to make geometry and science come alive. In her "retirement" she continued educating as a volunteer at Next Step Learning Center in Oakland. Sister Paul Gerard had a delight in life that was evidenced in her story-telling, laughter, great joy, love of good food and gourmet cooking, her deep sense of prayer and her long and faithful friendships. She is survived by her great-nephew, Duncan Danillo-Gasiewicz and great-niece, Molly Danillo- Gasiewicz. She is remembered fondly by her beloved Sisters and Associates of the Holy Names and by friends, ministry partners and countless students. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 7:15pm at the Convent of the Holy Names, 200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos. Her burial will be at 10:15am on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, California. Gifts in Sister's memory may be made to the Ministry Fund, Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031. Darling & Fischer Chapel (408) 354-7740

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Published by Inside Bay Area on Sep. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Dreslaine Byrne Haistings

September 28, 2010

And I will never forget her throwing blackboard erasers during Geometry. I was able to get to know her a little better when she was at Los Gatos. She was one of those people you never forget.

Cathy (Thielen) Stanley

September 28, 2010

I had Sister for 3 classes during my time at Holy Names. She was a wonderful teacher, smart, funny, even-tempered; we tried to play an April Fool's joke on her - dropping our books on cue - and she never even batted an eye-lash! She will continue to be an inspiration and model to me. Methyl salicylate - I will never forget it!

Margaret Bongiorno Mackey

September 28, 2010

I have such fond memories of Sister! This past week while visiting our daughter in Kansas City I was recalling taking her to an Oakland Raiders game in the 60's, when she was still in full habit and the team was still good. I remember her as always smiling, and putting wintergreen lifesavers in our chemistry exams, to be eaten after the question about it was answered. If she didn't believe she was a good teacher, it is a clear sign of God's work in helping her to be truly humble. May she rest In peace.

Mary McCarthy

September 28, 2010

I sent her a Christmas card every year and visited her in Oakland several years ago. She always responded with a wonderful letter about the activities in her life. I will always remember Question 22 on a chemistry final exam, where there was a little packet that said "Identify the substance in this packet." Terrified, I tore it open and found a spearmint (ester) lifesaver. She could even make chemistry fun.

Jill Yost

September 28, 2010

Someone tells me that Sr. Paul Gerard never believed she was a good teacher--having had her as a teacher, I know better. She was also a wonderful, kind and funny person. She will be missed greatly.

Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills

September 27, 2010

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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