Monica Heeran

Sister Monica Heeran, CSJP

1931 – 2026

Sister Monica Heeran (Sister Gertrude) passed away peacefully in the morning of October 9, 2026, at her home, St. Mary-on-the-Lake in Bellevue, Washington.

Monica was born September 14, 1931 in Fenagh, County Leitrim, Ireland, one of James and Anne (O’Rourke) Heeran’s many children, including her younger sister Anita who also became a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace.

At the age of seven, Monica was stricken with osteomyelitis. She spent three years in and out of hospitals and was confined to her bed for eleven months. She later recounted this experience as planting the seeds of her desire to become a nurse.

In 1947 Monica entered the Congregation, knowing her decision would take her far from her home and family. She travelled from Ireland to Bellingham, Washington for her novitiate. She professed final vows on August 15, 1953.

Monica began her long career in health care ministry as a receptionist and bookkeeper at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington. Her dream of nursing came true in 1961, when she became an R.N. at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene.

In 1970 she earned a Master’s Degree from St. Louis University, launching her into decades of ministry in hospital administration. Monica served as Administrator in Bellingham, Ketchikan, and Eugene before becoming the second President and CEO of PeaceHealth in 1988. She held this position until 1997.

Throughout her career, Monica was guided by a vision of healthcare as a ministry to the community at large, encouraging the involvement of physician and community leadership. She was at the forefront of Oregon’s progressive efforts at Medicaid reform and led a workgroup in the 1990s that helped the state achieve one of the highest coverage rates in the nation.

After retiring from PeaceHealth, she helped start the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in Eugene to provide quality medical care to those in need. In 2008, the Catholic Health Association recognized Monica with their Lifetime Achievement Award, as “proof that one committed individual can change the world.”

On her 50th Jubilee, Monica reflected: “I have been accompanied on my journey by dedicated women and men who dared make a difference in serving the sick, healing the broken-hearted and ministering to each other. I never cease to be edified by the goodness of many wonderful people. My experience testifies to the continuation of Jesus’ ministry through us. I stand in reverence at the goodness and commitment I see around me. It gives me great hope for the future.”

We remember with gratitude the sheer goodness that Monica brought to our community and, indeed, our world, through her leadership and loving presence.

We hold especially in prayer her family, the community, and caregivers at St. Mary-on-the-Lake, and all those whose lives were touched by Monica.

Vigil Service will be on Sunday October 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Both services are at St. Mary-on-the-Lake, Bellevue, WA and will be live streamed.

Vigil Service: https://vimeo.com/event/6266409/19cced72db

Funeral Mass: https://vimeo.com/event/6266383/39fd369ebb

Burial will be 10:00 AM Tuesday October 20, 2026 at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Edmonds, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Retirement Fund, PO Box 248, Bellevue, WA 98009.