SISTER ZACHARY BERTRAND, C.V.I.

1934-2021

Sister Zachary Bertrand, C.V.I., died on January 27, 2021. She was born on January 31, 1934 to John and Violette (Prejeant) Bertrand in Houston, Texas. She entered the Congregation of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament on September 8, 1952 and made her final Profession of Vows on September 15, 1958.

Sister Zachary graduated from Incarnate Word Academy. She earned her B.A. Degree in Education and her M.A. Degree in Education at the University of St. Thomas and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from the University of Houston. She also held certification in Montessori.

In her ministry, Sister Zachary taught in many parish schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the diocese of Austin, Texas. She taught full time elementary and junior high students for 47 years and was full time principal for 15 years. Sister also taught CCE and RCIA classes in some of the parishes where she taught school. In her last eight years of teaching at St. Christopher School, she changed to teach 3- and 4-year-olds in the Montessori program, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Sister Zachary cherished her time visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, especially when she visited her sister living in Hawaii. She was fascinated with her trip to the Grand Canyon one summer and her trips to Louisiana. Sister was an avid reader, enjoyed painting and crocheting and used those talents to work on projects for local hospitals. She had a playful competitive spirit which manifested itself when playing card games.

Sister Zachary was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. She is survived by her brother Frank A. Bertrand and wife, Gail, of Cameron, Texas, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and many good friends.

Due to the pandemic, all services will be held in private at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Incarnate Word Academy, 609 Crawford Street, Houston, Texas, 77002.