Gertrude M. Carothers was born on July 13, 1915, to Bernard and Catherine Raterman in Sidney, Ohio.  She was married to Wilson “Bill” Carothers on September 30, 1942.  He preceded her in death on January 1, 1988.

 

Gertrude graduated from Holy Angels High School.  She was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Piqua, Ohio, and a member of Saint Mary Altar Society.  She was a former records clerk at Wilson Memorial Hospital and a bookkeeper for Carothers News Agency for 42 years before retiring in 1985.

 

Gertrude attended daily Mass until she was no longer physically able.  She also attended Saturday night Mass, with assistance, removing her oxygen to take Communion.  Gertrude also loved saying the rosary.  She had over 50 rosaries, including rosaries from Rome and Medjugorje and from her two sisters who were Sisters of Charity.  She marked her rosaries so she knew where each one came from and she would rotate the use of each one weekly.  She constantly prayed the rosary, as many as 12 to 15 every day.

 

All of us here at our Lady’s Shrine feel blessed to have counted Gertrude as a friend for over 40 years.  She supported our work throughout her lifetime and remembered us with a gift from her estate.

 

Would you like to share the story of the Miraculous Medal with the next generation?  By remembering the Association of the Miraculous Medal in your will, you can do just that.  Click here to contact our Planned Giving Coordinator to receive our free brochure, “Your Will: A Chance To Remember And To Be Remembered.”  The stories in it may be just the motivation you need to get started with your estate plans.

 

Learn how you can become a member of Mary’s Legacy Society by remembering our Lady’s Association in your will.  Or contact our Planned Giving Coordinator for more information about planning your estate.