January 25, 2023

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Gail Anne Jarvis, a Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, was celebrated Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in the Sacred Heart Chapel.

Sister Gail Anne died at the age of 66 at McClure Miller Respite House, in Colchester, Vermont., on Jan. 10, 2023, following a lengthy illness. She had recently transitioned to the Respite House from Our Lady of Providence Residential Care Community, Winooski, Vt. She was a Sister of Mercy for 41 years.

Sister Gail Anne was born on Feb. 20, 1956, in Plattsburgh, the daughter of Lawrence and Rita Jarvis. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Trinity College in Burlington.

Sister Gail Anne entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 11, 1981, and made her profession of vows on June 16, 1985. She chose as her motto: "Jesus, Light of Truth."

Sister began her ministry before she entered the Sisters of Mercy, working summers at St. Anne's Shrine in Isle LaMotte, Vt., as chapel coordinator and shrine receptionist, in the mid-late 70s. She went on to become religious education coordinator, pastoral assistant in area Catholic parishes, Religion teacher at Mater Christi School, and worked in arts and crafts at Camp Marycrest. Later she served as a home care provider. Sister Gail Anne wrote articles for several parish newspapers. Her great joy over the last several years was serving as a DJ for Christian public radio, where she touched many lives and developed great friendships with her fellow DJs.

In Sister Gail Anne's ministry with immigrants and people in need, she gave assistance in finding employment; listened as they shared their struggles; and served as a bridge of compassion between generous friends and those in need in the weekly distribution of food.

Sister Gail Anne will be remembered for her sense of humor peppered with puns, compassion, fondness for cardinals, blowing of bubbles, devotion to Saint Anne, and courage and strength coping with her medical issues over many years.

She is survived by her mother, Rita Peischl Douglas, sister Lynn (Tom) Howard, brother James (Barbara) Jarvis, nieces, Michelle, Danielle, and Jessica Howard, Christy Jarvis, and their spouses, and four grandnieces, three grandnephews, many beloved cousins and friends, and her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Mercy. She was predeceased by her father, Lawrence Jarvis, and many Sisters of Mercy, in particular her dear friend Sister Mary Jeanne Fournier.

The Sisters of Mercy and Sister Gail Anne's family are very grateful to Home Instead, University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice Services, the doctors, nurses and staffs at Our Lady of Providence Residential Care Community and the McClure Miller Respite House for the exceptional care that Sister Gail Anne received.

Following the Funeral Mass, the burial will take place in Mount Saint Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy in support of their ministerial works. They may be sent to Sisters of Mercy - ATTN: Sister Laura Della Santa, 356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 101, Colchester, VT 05446.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ready Funeral Home South Capel, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, Vt.