Sister M. Consolata (Gertrude) Doherty was born in Michigan City, Indiana October 25, 1902. Her father was born in Killarney, Ireland; her mother in Batavia, New York.. She loved to read and for six years during her grade school days took piano lessons. The desire to become a religious was cherished from early years, but she did not reveal this to anyone till her late teens. Reading some of St. Peter Julian Eymard's works strengthened her desire, also the counseling of an assistant pastor. Through "Tabernacle & Purgatory" she learned about our Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration, and on August 5, 1921, entered as a postulant. She received the religious habit on July 15, 1922, made her first vows August 25, 1923 and her final vows in August, 1928. Consecration of Virgins was received in Tucson in January, 1953.

Although city bred, Sister M. Consolata learned to milk cows when a novice, though as she confided later she was "scared to death of them." But with her typically courageous spirit she met the challenge, and thus laid the foundation for a life of generous service and self-sacrifice. For quite a few years Sister was in charge of the mail stand at Clyde. This entailed much work and responsibility, with the mailing of both the English and German editions of the magazine each month and a heavy correspondence, both domestic and foreign. As the years passed, Sister's health declined, and in February, 1941 she was sent to the Tucson Priory in the hope that the climate would be beneficial in her tubercular condition. This hope was gradually realized, and in 1956 she was pronounced cured. During her first years in Tucson, which necessitated much rest, her time was largely spent in prayer. Gradually she was able to do sewing and other tasks, and for about fourteen years she worked with the packing and mailing of altar breads.

Sister returned to Clyde in May 1973 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee with her profession companions, Sisters M. Cordula and Irene. But soon after her return to Tucson it was discovered she had lung cancer in an advanced stage. Though she loved life and had always lived it joyously, she accepted this final challenge with her usual serenity.  She remained alert and interested in community and local affairs. 

Ever a joyous community-minded person, "Sister Connie," as she was fondly called during her later years, took part in the Sisters' "Halloween party'' on the eve of All Saints, 1973, just ten days before her death. From her gaily decked wheelchair she entered fully into the joy of the occasion, enhanced by the fact that Mother M. Pascaline was present to celebrate with them. 

The following morning she was still able to assist at the community Mass, but after that became more and more unable to eat. When asked how she felt, she would often answer in her simple, candid way: "I feel bum!" But she never complained, nor did she lose her refreshing Irish humor which endeared her to all. 

In the early morning of Nov. 11, Sister Connie slipped quietly into eternity. Though her life had been, as she herself expressed it, "hidden with Christ in God," it was a joyful life, radiating kindness, peace and sympathy. She had truly loved her vocation of adoration and service - of Benedictine 'Ora et labora', and had lived it generously, often at the price of suffering. After being waked at her beloved convent in Tucson and following a Requiem Mass for her there, her remains were sent to Clyde to be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary cemetery. Sister was seventy-one years old at the time of her death on Nov. 11, 1973 - just two days before the 71st anniversary of her baptism.