Sr. Gertrude Massine

Sr. Gertrude’s services will be livestreamed below

At Rugby, ND, on November 16, 1942, Michael and Elizabeth Gerger Massine welcomed their 10th child who, a few days later, was baptized Mary Anna Darlene at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Balta, ND.

Mary Anna attended schools near her home and graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo. She chose to become a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and on reception into that congregation received the name Sister Mary Gertrude. Following the customary eight years of initial formation, Sister Gertrude made perpetual vows of religion in 1968.

Sister Gertrude was a graduate of Alexandria Technical School (Dietetics), the North Dakota State School of Science (Nursing) and Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Her places of ministry were Cardinal Muench Seminary and Sacred Heart Convent in Fargo, hospitals in Carrington, New Rockford and Park River and Villa Maria in Fargo.

It was, however, in massage therapy that she found her greatest professional opportunities and personal satisfaction. Comments akin to “Sister Gertrude keeps me walking…” and “ Sister Gertrude has magic fingers…” were frequently heard from her clients. She maintained a practice at Riverview Place and at Sacred Heart Convent. Sister received the Excellence in Outreach Award from the Chicago School of Massage. Even more telling of her care and concern for others than the formal award was the standing ovation given her by students and faculty at the graduation ceremony.

German was her first language and German expressions often peppered her conversations.

Sister Gertrude enjoyed travel with an extended pilgrimage to the Holy Land being, perhaps, the highlight of her journeys.

While not known for her consumption of material goods, Sister Gertrude liked to “go shopping.” It was while shopping on Labor Day in 2021 that she suffered a stroke. She patiently endured the physical and cognitive limitations of this condition until called to her eternal home August 10, 2026, in the presence of her Presentation Sisters and the caring staff of St. Catherine’s South.

She is predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth and Michael, her sisters Florence Vetsch, Rose Tompson, and Kunegunda Koble; brothers, Lawrence, Anton. Thomas and LeRoy. She is survived by her sisters Anna Schnabel, Catherine (Robert) Gaudet and brother Michael (Diane); nieces and nephews and the Presentation Sisters and Associates.

Sister Mary Gertrude lived in the knowledge that we are all visitors to this time, this place. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then to return home. Her journey is done. May she rest in peace.

Prayer Vigil Service: Augus 13, 2026 6:30 PM
Mass of Christian Burial: August 14, 2026 10:30 am
Visitation: One hour prior to Vigil Service and to Mass
Services at St. Joseph’s Chapel Riverview Place