Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Sister Gertrude “Trudy” O’Connor, OSF, has dedicated over 50 years to nursing while serving as a Hospital Sister of St. Francis. Her interest in healing the sick began early in her life. "I had always wanted to be a nurse, since I can remember," she recalled.

Growing up as the oldest of nine children on a farm, Sister Trudy was drawn to caring for both people and animals. This nurturing spirit was encouraged by her father, who would give her weaker animals to care for until they regained strength.

As a child, she became acquainted with the Hospital Sisters through visits to her aunt, Sister Joyce Gerardi, OSF, at the Franciscan Motherhouse. These visits left an impression on young Gertrude and introduced her to the community's camaraderie and prayerful spirit.

Her education path led her from high school at the convent in Springfield to formal nursing training at St. John’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1963. She later obtained degrees from Marillac College in St. Louis and Rush University in Chicago.

Throughout her career, Sister Trudy held various roles including medical-surgical charge nurse and clinical nurse specialist. Her work culminated in what she describes as her "dream job" during which she received the AORN Outstanding Achievement Award from 1988 to 2005.

Prayer played an integral role throughout her career. "I have often said that I never met an atheist in the operating room," she noted about praying with patients during surgeries.

Now retired from active nursing, Sister Trudy continues to offer health advice and enjoys spending more time praying for those still needing care. Reflecting on her career choice, she expressed gratitude: "I am sure that I was happier with being a nurse than I would have been doing anything else."

This article is part of a series highlighting religious sisters working in science-related fields.