Marie Helen Thomas was baptized in the Chapelle Basse at St. Mary's Seminary on Paca Street on July 12, 1830. Mother Mary Lange was her godmother. On December 25, 1833, Marie Helen became one of the first four postulants received by Mother Mary Frances Balas.

Mother's term of administration saw some remarkable events: the arrival and departure of four Redemptorist Directors: Father Anwander, PoirIer, Vogien, and Kraus, as well as the appointment of the Oblates' first Jesuit Director, Father Peter Miller, SJ.

Toward the end of the year 1856, Mother Gertrude's brother died in New York. The annals record that their mother, Mrs. Thomas, was "in affliction at the death of an affectionate son." So on Saturday, December 17, 1856, Father Poirier assembled the Sisters and told them: "It is Mother Gertrude's wish that her mother, Mrs. Thomas could find a home in the community." According to the annals, everyone agreed to Mother Gertrude's request. On January 2, 1857, Mrs. Thomas arrived from New York to take up residence with the Sisters at 48 Richmond Street.

Mother Gertrude gave much attention to the spiritual development of the Sisters. She was overjoyed when through the good influence of Father Miller, the Sisters, for the first time, had the experience of a Jesuit retreat. The retreat was recorded in the annals as "A never to be forgotten blessing." Mother Gertrude's health began to fail. Several periods of attempted rest and recuperation were unsuccessful. She resigned her office and a day was fixed upon to elect her successor. On September 4th, 1861, Sister Marie Louise Noel was once more elected Superior. Mother Mary Gertrude died on October 6th, 1861.