Sister Gertrude Ann Brown, OSF, 96, of Clare House, Dubuque, IA, passed away at 9 P/M, Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Clare House.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 P/M, Thursday, May 23, 2013, in Francis Chapel, with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. Friends may call from 4 P/M to 7 P/M, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 with the Wake Service at 7 P/M in Francis Chapel.

Sister was born on December 27, 1916, near Peosta, IA, the daughter of Leo and Gertrude (McGovern) Brown.

Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis on August 25, 1934, and made final profession of vows on August 10, 1940. Sister ministered in the Iowa cities of Dyersville, Sioux City (Briar Cliff College), Cherokee, and Dubuque (Holy Ghost and Mount St. Francis; in Minneapolis, MN and Niles, IL. She served on the Governing Board for the Sisters of St. Francis from 1968-1972.

Sister is survived by her brother, Kenneth; her sister-in-law, Elaine; her brother-in-law, Merle Digman; nieces; nephews; and her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared 77 years of her life.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Cyril (Marcella), Loras, Mark (Mary LaVon), and Jerome; her sisters, Marcella (Joseph) Miller, Isabelle (Joseph) Mueller, Ramona, Sr. Marcellita and Monica Digman; and her sister-in-law, Donna.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

The Sisters of St. Francis thank Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support.

The Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL, is in charge of arrangements.

Onlince condolences may be left at millerfhed.com.