Sister Gertrude Lacki, OSF

Sister Gertrude Lacki, OSF (formerly Sister Lenore) born in Buffalo, NY on November 16, 1946, died on May 28, 2024 at Kenmore-Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York.  She was the daughter of the late Thaddeus and Helen (Chojnacki) Lacki.
A proud graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Buffalo, NY, Sister Gertrude entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity on September 6, 1964 and was professed July 2, 1967.

Her principal ministry was Education and Pastoral Ministry.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Rosary Hill (Daemen University) in Amherst, NY in 1970, and a Master's in Theology from Wheeling Jesuit College, Wheeling, West Virginia in 1991.

Sister Gertrude taught in New York at St. Joseph School, Gowanda (1968-69); Stella Niagara Education Park, Stella Niagara, NY (1981-82,2009-17); St. Peter's School, Lewiston (1982-83); Sts Columba-Brigid Montessori School, Buffalo (2004-09); in West Virginia at Sacred Heart School, Charleston (1983-85); and in New Jersey at St. Mary School, New Monmouth (1970-73); and St. Agnes School, Atlantic Highlands (1973-78) in West Virginia at Sacred Heart School, Charleston (1983-85);. She also taught at St. Francis International School, Rome, Italy (1978-81.

Her Pastoral Ministry time was spent in West Virginia at Immaculate Conception Church, Montgomery, and Jesus Our Savior Mission, Anstead, (1986-95) and St. Margaret Mary Church, Parkersberg, (1999-2004). From 1995-99, Sister Gert was the spiritual and social coordinator in our Stella Niagara Health Center.

After retiring in 2017, on two occcasions Sister Gertrude spent time teaching English to the Sisters in our Polish Province in Orlik, Poland.

Sister Gert was proficient in the art of Pysanky (Ukranian Easter eggs) and taught the sisters, school children and guests of our Center of Renewal. She was trained in foot refexology and generously provided this service.

In August 2022, Sister Gert suffered a stroke and moved to the Stella Niagara Health Center in October 2022.

Much of Sister Gert's joy came from her love of music. she was a singer and song-writer.  She released a CD entitled "We Bring Peace" of original and sacred music in 2017, dedicated to the Sisters and Associates of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Stella Niagara, and Peter Van Leewon, OFM.  She was presented an award as “Person of the Year” while working in Montgomery, West Virginia.

Besides her parents, Sister Gertrude was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor(Edwin) Winterberg, a brother, Richard (Patricia) Lacki, and a niece, Susie.

She is survived by her two brothers, Michael (Margaret) Lacki and David (Sue) Lacki; nieces and nephews: Judy (Dale)Covert, Edwin (Mary Jo) Winterberg, Janine Winterberg, Eric (Kristen) Winterberg, Thaddeus (Sherry) Lacki, Robert (Mindy) Lacki, Thomas (Bing) Lacki, Brian (Blondie Olandt) Kopera, Jonathan (Erin) Lacki, and Mary Elizabeth (Patrick) McFadden; Great nieces and nephews: Tad Lacki, Cody Zmuda, Kayleigh Lacki, Heather Lacki, Mitchell Winterberg, Alexander Winterberg, Anthony (Marless Tuskes) Solomon, Erica (Richie Jenkins) Winterberg, Nicholas Solomon, Claudia Winterberg, Helena Winterberg,  Brenna Lacki and Andy Lacki; and Great great nephew, Bryson Jenkins and great great niece, Sophia Jenkins; many cousins and friends, as well as her Sisters in the Stella Niagara Community.

 Sr. Gert's Wake will be on Monday, June 3, 2024 from 4-7pm with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and Mass of  Christian Burial in the Sister's Chapel on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 10:00AM.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Stella Niagara, NY 14144.

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