Sister Mary Gemma Stanford, CCVI

Sister was born Mary Anne Stanford in Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Anne Stanford. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word at St. Michael Convent, Co. Clare, Ireland, on February 1, 1950. Sister made First Profession of Vows on December 8, 1952, and Perpetual Profession of Vows on December 8, 1957, at Villa de Matel, Houston.

To prepare for ministry, Sister Gemma earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Houston, graduating in 1957. For the next 50 years, Sr. Gemma served either as a Pharmacist, Assistant Director of Pharmacy, and Director of Pharmacy at St. Anthony Home, Houston, TX; St. Mary’s Hospital, Galveston, TX; Hotel Dieu Hospital, Beaumont, TX; and St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, TX. After many years of service, Sister Gemma took a well-deserved sabbatical. Thereafter, Sister Gemma continued to joyfully serve in ministry as a Patient Representative at St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA, and Carrigoran House, Co. Clare, Ireland. Her service was always one of complete dedication.

Sister Gemma is survived by two brothers: Mr. Bernard Stanford (and wife Ann) and Mr. Joe Stanford (and wife Nancy) of Ireland; one sister: Mrs. Pat Strachan (and husband Neville) of Victoria, Australia; one sister-in-law: Mrs. Margaret Stanford of Garden City, NY, and many nieces and nephews.

We extend a special thanks to the Sisters and staff at St. Placidus Convent for their gentle and loving care during Sister’s recent illness.

Sister Gemma’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St., Houston, Texas, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will also be held at Villa de Matel Chapel on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.