It is with great sadness OSF Saint Francis Medical Center shares the news that Sister M. Canisia Gerlach, 96, died at 5:45 a.m., Thursday, May 26, 2011 at OSF Saint Francis.

Sister Canisia was born August 29, 1914 in Sindersfeld-Kirchhain, Germany. She entered the convent at Bad Pyrmont, Germany on February 23, 1935 and made her Perpetual Profession of Vows in 1943. She received her Registered Nurse’s Diploma at St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria; C.R.N.A. at St. Francis School of Anesthesia; Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Creighton University; and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration at St. Louis University.

In 1960, Sister Canisia was named Administrator of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a position she served in for 38 years until her retirement in September 1998. During her time as Administrator, Sister oversaw the completion of two major building projects including the Gerlach Building. The $40 million critical care addition opened in August 1986 and was named in her honor.

During her time as Administrator, Sister visited patients almost daily to ensure the care they received met her high standards. “I don’t believe that you can administer a hospital just from your office or desk,” Sister Canisia said in 1986. “You must be visible and see that the care you insist be given is also carried out in a very professional, caring way.”

Sister was beloved by not only the staff at OSF Saint Francis but throughout the Peoria area as well.

Visitation for Sister Canisia will be 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 30, and 9:00 -10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the Motherhouse, 1175 N. St. Francis Lane, East Peoria. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. May 31 at the Motherhouse. Burial will be in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at the Motherhouse. A memorial mass will also be celebrated Friday, June 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Chapel.

Memorial donations in Sister Canisia’s name may be made to the OSF Foundation, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, IL 61637. Please specify if the donation is for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Illinois or the Sister Canisia Nursing Scholarship Fund.