Sister Gerarda (Sophie) Pura died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of July 27th. As a Benedictine sister of St. Benedict’s Monastery, she spent 78 years in religious life, living out the monastic motto Ora et Labora (pray and work) through diverse ministries to meet the needs of people in the monastery’s ministries.

Sophie was born in Winnipeg to Basil Pura and Frances Karczmar on November 23, 1930. Her siblings were Marie (Danyluk), another Sophie who died as an infant, and brothers Peter (Nellie) and Joseph, who lives in Colorado, while the others died earlier.

Teaching was one of Sister Gerarda’s first ministries. Early in her life as a sister she taught in Arborg and other small rural schools and at St. Benedict’s Academy. She also taught young students and helped at parish mission churches in places like Oyen, Alberta — even doing classroom setup and janitorial tasks when resources were limited. Sister Gerarda volunteered for mission work for two years in Bogotá, Colombia, where she taught and immersed herself in the language and culture.

Sister Gerarda earned a doctorate in Education, served as an Associate Professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, and later worked in staff training and inmate education with Manitoba Provincial Corrections. She directed St. Joseph’s Residence and later helped to found and lead St. Benedict’s Foundation, Inc., an initiative to support the monastery’s work and mission.

For many years she served as Secretary–Treasurer of her monastic community, contributing to its governance and stewardship. Even into her 90’s she was sought out for her knowledge and wisdom. Sister Gerarda continued to lead and read at community prayer until she suffered from pneumonia and went into hospital last week.

She had a special love for scripture especially the book of Isaiah. After one of her retirements, she enjoyed a sabbatical in the Holy Land and then led a pilgrimage there later.

Sister Gerarda was especially devoted to her family; her nieces Mary Ann Fast (deceased) (Tim), and Cathy McElhoes (Randall), nephews Mike, Peter (Lina) and Andrew (Margaret)(deceased) and their children, of which there are many. While her career was rich and varied, the ministry closest to Sister Gerarda’s heart has always been living the corporal works of mercy. Until last week, she weekly visited the sick and being an avid reader, went to the library every two weeks.

Her family, religious community and many friends will miss her wisdom, hearty laugh, friendship and spirit.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Ghost Church on Thursday, July 30 at 10:00AM.