Sister M. Edelbertis

Born: February 22, 1939
Entrance: February 3, 1962
Professed: October 28, 1964
Died: June 13, 2026

Our dear Sister was confident that Jesus is alive. She was also certain that she would live with him. She entrusted her life back into God’s hands, Sister M. Edelbertis, née Ludwine Gevers, Hospital Sister of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

Jesus lives, and so do I!
That is my confidence.

Ludwine Gevers was born the eleventh of thirteen children in Vreden-Dömern, near the Dutch border, into a devout Catholic family. Ludwine received her First Communion in the year that her elder sister, our fellow Sister M. Nicasia, entered our Congregation. In 1960, Sister M. Christhild also entered the Congregation, and Sister Friedburga joined the Sisters of St. Clement. Ludwine was the last to become a religious Sister and was given the name Sister M. Edelbertis.

After completing her nursing training, Sister M. Edelbertis fell seriously ill, an illness that would accompany and shape her life. Her superiors understood her situation and subsequently assigned her to administrative duties, the reception area, and in the desk of patient admissions.

She herself writes: “Through my long periods of absence and health limitations, I have been able to learn what it is like for people during such times of illness or other infirmities when they are received with understanding and kindness, especially in the hospital.”

In her free time, Sister M. Edelbertis enjoyed painting. Her nature paintings hang in the motherhouse, among other places, and delight those who view them. She said: “Even though I don’t see myself as a great artist, I find fulfillment and contentment in this as well.” Her recipe for a happy life was simple: “Keep the faith, don’t lose hope, pray for good health, and be thankful for everything that is experienced so far.”

We bid farewell to Sister M. Edelbert with gratitude. We keep her in our prayers and in our celebrations of the Eucharist, and we remain united with her in sisterly love.

On Wednesday, June 17, we will bid farewell to Sister M. Edelbertis. The Resurrection Mass wil be held at 2pm in the Motherhouse Church, after which we will accompany her to her final resting place in the Sisters’ Cemetery. Afterward, we can share our memories of her over coffee at the Motherhouse.