Dr. Gertrude "Geri" Hennessey

Dr. Gertrude "Geri" Hennessey

On September 10, 2018, age 85.  Geri was born on Jan. 6, 1933 in Gloucester City, NJ to parents Michael and Elizabeth (nee Cole).  She was one of 13 children, seven sisters and five brothers, all of whom have predeceased her, including her closest and devoted brother, Jack, who died in July 2018.  She is survived by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Geri joined the convent in the Camden Diocese upon her high school graduation, taking the name Sister Michael Bernard as a Catholic nun and spreading her faith, teaching and volunteering. As a nun, she was instrumental in the development of chemotherapy at the National Cancer Institute.  She subsequently left the convent to pursue her education and other avenues of service to her faith, including teaching, volunteering in hospitals, leading many bible studies and participating in missions with the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.  Geri graduated from college with a degree in biology and subsequently earned her Doctorate in Microbiology.  She also founded and operated drug rehabilitation clinics, including Operation Concern and Reality House.  Geri cared for those that others had given up upon; her life was devoted to the service of her great faith. She suffered a stroke on Sept. 10, and passed away shortly thereafter.

Relatives and friends of the family will meet for the visitation and funeral on Monday morning from  10:30am to 11:00am at The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light Church, 402 North Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, NJ.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 11:00am.  Arr. by BOCCO of Cherry Hill. To offer condolences, please visit: www.BoccoFuneralHome.com

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